Matabeleland, the debut feature documentary by Zimbabwean director Nyasha Kadandara, is set to have its world premiere at CPH:DOX this March! After seven years in the making, this deeply personal film is finally ready to meet audiences.
At its core, Matabeleland is a story of love, faith, and identity. Zimbabwean immigrant Chris Nyathi, who now lives in Botswana, is haunted by his father’s unburied spirit and believes his family is cursed. Juggling an unstable job and the weight of supporting his sprawling family, Chris struggles to balance duty with his own desires.
His younger girlfriend, Dumi, offers solace but insists their relationship can only move forward if he commits to marriage, something he has long resisted. As Zimbabwe undergoes a historic political shift, Chris seizes the chance to bury his father, hoping it will free his family from its troubled past and pave the way for a future with Dumi.
Directed by Nyasha Kadandara and produced by Sam Soko, Matabeleland is a testament to the power of Pan-African storytelling. It moves beyond the usual narratives of Zimbabwe’s politics and economy, offering an intimate, human story of love, faith, and the weight of manhood.
As the film makes its world premiere at CPH:DOX, we’re excited for audiences to engage in critical conversations about history, identity, and healing. This is just the beginning of Matabeleland’s journey, and we can’t wait for you to experience it.
Stay tuned for updates on screenings and how you can watch the film!