Greenwich Entertainment will release the award-winning documentary President by director Camilla Nielsson (Democrats) in theaters starting Friday, December 17 at Film Forum in New York City.
When Robert Mugabe was removed from power, Zimbabwe military leaders promised they would not seize control for themselves but would ensure democracy in a national election. Against a backdrop of economic crisis, food shortages, and political violence, the stakes could not be higher. Working to defeat the ruling party, which has controlled Zimbabwe since independence, is the young and charismatic Nelson Chamisa, who draws comparisons to a young Nelson Mandela in expressing the country’s utmost desire to be “led” and not “ruled”. After decades of a corrupt group clinging to power using any tool available – legal or not – can a free, fair, and transparent election be truly possible? As the follow-up to her widely acclaimed Democrats, Camilla Nielsson brings viewers into the heart of the struggle for power with stunningly close access and unhesitating courage, in a nation closely monitored by the entire world. President is a riveting and epic reminder that, while individuals and their specific ideals may differ, the fight for democracy is never-ending and of profound significance everywhere.
“A film like President is only possible when many, many people in front of and behind the camera agree to collaborate on all levels,” said director Camila Nielsson. “I think you can see clearly from the film, the intense and dangerous challenges that were presented in a situation where transparency and accountability are suppressed by those seeking to maintain an unjust status quo. The Zimbabwean crew members cannot be named in the credits for security concerns right now, but it is our shared goal to situate the people in the film in an ethical relationship with the people viewing it. We’re really excited that Greenwich will be bringing the film to theatres in the US, bringing people together to share and reflect on the lived experience of others working so hard for the establishment of strong democratic institutions, while some Americans are currently attempting to break their own.”
The film, an official selection of many prestigious film festivals have gone on to win multiple awards including Special Jury Award for Verité Filmmaking at Sundance; Jury Prize in the ConScience Competition at Docville International Documentary Film Festival 2021; Winner – Best International Feature Documentary at Encounters International Documentary Film Festival 2021 and Winner – Best Documentary in the International Competition at É Tudo Verdade Festival Internacional De Documentários 2021.
Watch the first trailer for President.
President was produced by Signe Byrge Sørensen (Flee, The Act of Killing) and Joslyn Barnes (Gunda, Hale County This Morning, This Evening) with executive producers Thandiwe Newton, Danny Glover, Susan Rockefeller and Tone Grøttjord, and co-producers Anne Köhncke and Anita Rehoff Larsen.