Zimbabwe is a country located in southern Africa, bordered by South Africa to the south, Botswana to the west, Zambia to the northwest, and Mozambique to the east and northeast. Its capital city is Harare and its largest city is Bulawayo. Zimbabwe has a rich cultural heritage, with a history dating back to the 11th century, and is home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. The country’s economy is largely based on agriculture, mining, and tourism.

 

Books

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4/5

Nervous Conditions

by Tsitsi Dangarembga

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4.1/5

The Fear

by Peter Godwin

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4.2/5

The Last Resort

by Douglas Rogers

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4.3/5

Mukiwa: A White Boy in Africa

by Peter Godwin

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4.1/5

Love in the Driest Season

by Neely Tucker

Voted one of the top ten Africa’s 100 Best Books of the 20th Century. It is an extraordinary work renowned for its skilful exploration of race, class, gender and cultural transformation. Through its vivid depiction of postcolonial conditions, this novel brings to life the struggles faced by African women across all areas of their lives.

Journalist Peter Godwin has seen a great deal during his career covering wars, but nothing could have prepared him for what he encountered when he returned to his native Zimbabwe. In a land that had been ravaged by years of political unrest and economic turmoil, he witnessed a strange blend of desperation and hope.

The Last Resort is an extraordinary and poignant true story of one family’s struggle for survival amidst a nation in crisis. Set against the backdrop of political unrest, it chronicles their journey as they search for safety and security. Through heartbreaking struggles and thrilling moments, this captivating tale will touch your heart and make you laugh along the way.

Mukiwa: A White Boy in Africa is an incredible story by Peter Godwin, describing his own turbulent childhood growing up in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). Through his vivid recollections, readers are taken on a personal journey of transformation; from the innocence of youth to the realities of war as Rhodesia descended into civil unrest. With his meticulous eye for detail and knack for storytelling, Godwin narrates his experience of being swept up in the politically-charged tension and divided loyalty in Rhodesia during the 1970s and 1980s. As he navigates the shifting political landscape, Godwin must also grapple with questions of identity and belonging- particularly as he transitions from a privileged white boy to a soldier and later an investigative journalist. It’s a harrowing tale that ultimately underscores the power of resilience and self-discovery. With its heavy subject matter balanced by moments of levity, Mukiwa is an emotionally charged account that brings readers face-to-face with history while offering hope for understanding in times of turmoil.

Against a background of war, terrorism, disease and unbearable uncertainty about the future, this heartwarming memoir details the story of a foreign correspondent and his wife in their journey to adopt a Zimbabwean baby. Their incredible determination in the face of great adversity paved the way for them to experience firsthand the miracles that love can bring. While they faced opposition from both their local government and communities, they never gave up on their dream. Through committing themselves to endless paperwork, enduring long-distance phone calls, and travelling overseas many times over to meet with government officials, these brave individuals were eventually able to realize their dream. This true story of triumph over obstacles is sure to inspire readers everywhere and show them what commitment can truly achieve. Despite all odds being against them, this couple was ultimately able to create a family through their tenacious spirit and unwavering drive. Don’t miss out on this inspiring tale – pick up your copy today!

Movies

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3.5/5

Virgin Margarida

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3.4/5

Sleepwalking Land

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3/5

Mabata Bata

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3.6/5

The Great Bazaar

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3/5

Redemption

“The Hidden Face” is a Colombian thriller film directed by Andrés Baiz. It was released in 2011. The movie tells the story of a young conductor who moves into a new home with his wife. After an accident, the wife disappears and the husband begins to suspect that she may still be alive. The film explores themes of love, betrayal, and psychological manipulation as the husband delves deeper into the mystery of his wife’s disappearance. It is a suspenseful and thought-provoking film that has been widely praised for its strong performances and its clever use of suspense and tension.

“The Embrace of the Serpent” is a Colombian film directed by Ciro Guerra. It was released in 2015. The movie tells the story of two parallel journeys made by two Western scientists, played by Jan Bijvoet and Brionne Davis, through the Amazon rainforest at different times in the 20th century. They both seek the help of an Amazonian shaman, played by Nilbio Torres, in their search for a rare plant. The film explores themes of colonialism, the loss of cultural heritage, and the impact of Western civilization on indigenous people. It was critically acclaimed and won many awards, including the Best Director award at the Cannes Film Festival.

“Maria Full of Grace” is a Colombian-American drama film directed by Joshua Marston. It was released in 2004. The movie tells the story of Maria, a young woman from a poor Colombian village who becomes a drug mule, transporting drugs to the United States. The film explores themes of poverty, immigration, and the risks and consequences of the drug trade. It is a powerful and moving film that has been widely praised for its strong performances and its realistic portrayal of the struggles of immigrants and those caught up in the drug trade. The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for its lead actress Catalina Sandino Moreno.

“Colors of the Mountain” is a Colombian drama film directed by Carlos César Arbeláez. It was released in 2010. The movie tells the story of a young boy living in a small mountain village in Colombia, who faces the challenges of growing up in a war-torn country. The film explores themes of childhood, war, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. It is a powerful and moving film that has been widely praised for its strong performances and its evocative portrayal of the impact of war on children and their families. It was critically acclaimed and won several awards at international film festivals.

“The Wind Journeys” is a Colombian-Argentinian-Dutch drama film directed by Ciro Guerra. It was released in 2009. The movie tells the story of Ignacio Carrillo, an accordion player who embarks on a journey to return his instrument to its rightful owner, a young man who had been his apprentice but had died. Along the way, he meets a young orphan who joins him on his journey. The film explores themes of tradition, music, and the human connection. It is a powerful and moving film that has been widely praised for its strong performances and its evocative portrayal of the power of music to connect people and preserve tradition. It was critically acclaimed and won several awards at international film festivals.

Music

Zimbabwean music is a rich tapestry of diverse cultural influences, blending traditional indigenous rhythms and melodies with Western-style instruments and harmonies. Characterized by complex polyrhythms, intricate harmonies, and a unique sense of melody, Zimbabwean music has been shaped by the country’s rich history and diverse geography. The most popular traditional music styles include mbira, hosho, and marimba music, while popular contemporary genres include jit and sungura. Whether performed in urban clubs or rural villages, Zimbabwean music continues to captivate audiences with its infectious beats and timeless melodies.

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