Over the course of more than three years, director Camilla Nielsson gained exclusive access to the inner circles of politics in Robert Mugabe’s Zimbabwe. Democrats follows two political opponents, the bullish Mangwana of the long-time ruling party ZANU-PF, and the Movement for Democratic Change’s progressive Mwonzora, as they face the gargantuan task of writing a new constitution for the country. The process is marred from the outset: sinister theatrics from ZANU-PF corrupt a nationwide consultation designed to hear the people’s voice, secret police keep a watchful eye on the proceedings, and meetings descend into violent clashes. Mangwana and Mwonzora are determined to push on. But as the drama unfolds, the grave personal costs to reaching political victory become clear. Nielsson’s observational storytelling delivers compelling insight into the political game and an engaging portrait of those Zimbabweans who are fighting for change.

Screening followed by discussion with filmmaker Camilla Nielsson and Dewa Mavhinga, Senior Researcher for Zimbabwe and Southern Africa, Africa Division, Human Rights Watch