HARARE, Zimbabwe – The highly anticipated independent documentary Matabeleland, directed by Zimbabwean filmmaker Nyasha Kadandara, is set to make its world premiere at CPH:DOX 2025 this March. The film is a deeply personal and moving exploration of masculinity, generational trauma, and the enduring struggles of Zimbabweans both at home and in the diaspora. Spanning seven years of filming across Zimbabwe and Botswana, Matabeleland presents an intimate yet complex narrative that resonates far beyond Southern Africa.

At the heart of the film is Chris Nyathi, a Zimbabwean immigrant in Botswana, who believes his family is cursed. Haunted by the unburied spirit of his father—a victim of past violence—Chris embarks on a deeply personal quest to break the cycle of misfortune. Caught between the demands of family responsibility, a difficult job, and his younger girlfriend Dumi’s ultimatum for marriage, Chris faces a moment of reckoning.

As Zimbabwe undergoes a historic political shift, he sees an opportunity to finally secure his father’s burial—an act he hopes will not only bring peace to his family but also solidify his future with Dumi.

The film captures the realities of migration, as Chris navigates life between Botswana and Zimbabwe, reflecting the struggles of many Zimbabweans seeking better opportunities abroad. Unlike common media portrayals that focus on xenophobia and displacement, Matabeleland offers a more nuanced depiction of migration, exploring themes of love, resilience, and cultural identity.

Nyasha Kadandara, a young Shona filmmaker born in Bulawayo, brings a unique perspective to the documentary. Straddling both the Ndebele and Shona worlds, she uses her storytelling lens to bridge divides and foster understanding.

“This film offers a nuanced, deeply personal perspective on a misunderstood region, presenting Zimbabwe beyond the usual focus on politics or the struggling economy,” she explains. “Through Chris’s story, I hope Zimbabweans can confront our history and see in his struggles a reflection of our collective trauma and resilience, particularly for those from Matabeleland who have long felt unseen.”

Matabeleland is produced by LBx Africa, a production company renowned for powerful, award-winning documentaries such as Softie (Sundance 2020), No Simple Way Home (Berlinale 2022), and Free Money (TIFF 2022). This collaboration between Zimbabwe and Kenya underscores a Pan-African storytelling approach, bringing a critical yet intimate narrative to life. The film skillfully balances the weight of historical trauma with moments of warmth and humanity, making its themes universally relatable.

The film’s premiere comes at a time when Zimbabwe is engaging in new trauma reparative initiatives for Matabeleland, adding urgency to its message. As Matabeleland makes its debut on the global stage, it challenges viewers to rethink Zimbabwe’s story beyond stereotypes, offering a profound exploration of identity, reconciliation, and the enduring impact of unresolved pasts.