PRESIDENT Feature Films In Person at AFI Silver

Following the screening, watch a special conversation with director Camilla Nielson and subject Nkululeko Sibanda moderated by AFI Festivals Senior Programmer Ken Jacobson.

Returning to Zimbabwe, where filmmaker Camilla Nielsson’s acclaimed 2014 documentary DEMOCRATS observed the drafting of a constitution, the country now faces another seemingly impossible bid for democracy. After a 38-year rule, dictator Robert Mugabe has been ousted, but his former party has already thrown their power behind a new candidate in the upcoming election, Emmerson Mnangagwa. Mnangagwa’s unlikely challenger is charismatic young upstart Nelson Chamisa who, running an anti-corruption campaign, has already gained popular support across the country. PRESIDENT is the tremendously harrowing account of Chamisa’s attempt to inspire trust and hope among the people, while simultaneously predicting the ruling party’s next brazen move to retain power. With renewed global relevance, Chamisa’s account serves as a solemn reminder to never take democracy for granted. –Malin Kan

Continue the conversation on DOCS Connect with filmmakers and audience members, here.