Camilla Nielsson’s critically acclaimed film ‘President’, which follows the controversial 2018 presidential election in Zimbabwe, has been banned in the country since its release. As Zimbabweans eagerly await an election in August, Nielsson made the decision to launch the film in Zimbabwe through The Why Foundation’s YouTube channel. Within one week, it received over 55,000 views and ignited a social media storm.

The award-winning documentary follows presidential candidate Nelson Chamisa as he attempts to unseat Emmerson Mnangagwa - leader of the coup that removed dictator Robert Mugabe as president of the country in 2017. The film depicts the corrupt election process up close and gives viewers an in-depth understanding of the unrest that unfolded during this pivotal period in Zimbabwe's history.  

Previous attempts to distribute ‘President’ in Zimbabwe have failed. In 2022, the film was banned from being shown, as it was believed to 'incite violence'. The latest attempt to air the film through South African television station SABC (which is also available in Zimbabwe) was sabotaged by a power cut throughout the entire country - at the precise moment the broadcast began.

For Nielsson, producer Signe Byrge Sørensen and production house Final Cut For Real, getting the film to its intended audience has been an uphill battle:

“We have tried, so far unsuccessfully, to unban the film through the Zimbabwean courts in order to legally screen President in Zimbabwe,” Nielsson commented, “so we are very thankful to The Why Foundation for helping us to finally get the film out in the country where it matters most.”

Since launching on YouTube last month, the film has been widely shared on Twitter and WhatsApp and viewed all over Zimbabwe. One twitter user commented, “Citizens, the documentary ‘President’ is now available on YouTube to those in Zimbabwe. Please spread the word. This documentary is a must watch, as we prepare to vote and defend our vote on 23 August 2023.”
In a country where many people live on one dollar a day and cannot afford wifi, this is a remarkable achievement.

“As filmmakers, we feel it is of utmost importance that the people of Zimbabwe get to see the film about what happened during the previous election before they cast their vote again in the upcoming election on August 23rd,” says Nielsson.  

As election day approaches, we look forward to seeing the continued impact of President in Zimbabwe.