President

Zimbabwe is at a crossroads. In the first election since the removal of Robert Mugabe, the new leader of the opposition Nelson Chamisa is challenging the dictator’s corrupt legacy, and his successor Emmerson ‘the crocodile’ Mnangagwa. The election will be the ultimate test for both sides. How they interpret the principles of democracy, if they can inspire trust among the citizenry, not succumb to violence, and foster faith in institutions, will set the course for the future for the country.

When Robert Mugabe was removed from power by his own party after 38 years of dictatorial rule, Zimbabwe’s military leaders promised they would not seize control for themselves but would ensure democracy via a national election. Against a backdrop of economic crisis, food shortages, and political violence, the stakes could not be higher. Working to defeat the incumbent Zimbabwe African National Union–Patriotic Front (ZANU–PF), which has controlled Zimbabwe since independence in 1980, is the young and charismatic Nelson Chamisa of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) Alliance. The election will be the ultimate test for both sides. How they interpret the principles of democracy, if they can inspire trust among Zimbabwe’s citizenry, not succumb to violence, and foster faith in institutions, will set the course for the future for the country. After decades of corrupt elites using any means necessary to retain power, can a free, fair, and transparent election be truly possible?

With this sequel to her widely acclaimed documentary Democrats (2014), which followed the political battle to establish Zimbabwe’s first democratic constitution, Director Camilla Nielsson brings viewers into the heart of an epic struggle for power. President is a riveting reminder that, while individuals and specifics may differ, the fight for democracy is of global relevance to all who envision a more just, egalitarian future. President offers powerful witness that it won't happen if we don't fight to create it.