Mugabe and the White African

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Mugabe and the White African

Released Aug 7, 2009

1h 30m

Documentary

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

97%

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36 Reviews

90%

Popcornmeter

500+ Ratings

Michael Campbell -- a white, 75-year-old farmer living in Zimbabwe -- stands up for his rights against an oppressive government in this fascinating documentary. Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe's controversial "Land Reform" system has forced most white farmers out of the country, turning their properties over to inexperienced government officials. But Campbell, determined to defend his farm (and the black workers and family members who live there), takes his case to international court.

Critics Consensus

As much legal thriller as objective documentary, this account of a farmer's battle with Zimbabwe's regime serves as a powerful and emotional attack upon President Mugabe.

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Cliff Doerksen

Chicago Reader

The result is part legal thriller, part five-hankie melodrama.

Jan 4, 2011

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Roger Ebert

Chicago Sun-Times

In a continent where despotic rule is not uncommon, there is little argument that Mugabe is the most monstrous of rulers.

Rated: 3/4

Sep 2, 2010

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Gary Goldstein

Los Angeles Times

Bailey and Thompson managed to create a remarkably vivid portrait of a land and its people, while bringing us two unforgettable heroes in Campbell and Freeth.

Rated: 4/5

Aug 13, 2010

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Richard Propes

TheIndependentCritic.com

Filming is banned in Zimbabwe, so Bailey and Thompson are themselves risking their lives to film this documentary.

Rated: 3.0/4.0

Sep 17, 2020

Full Review

David Harris

Spectrum Culture

The most interesting aspect of the film is when it questions the definition of an African.

Rated: 3/5

Oct 28, 2019

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Nick Davis

Nick's Flick Picks

The filmmakers leave massive and sometimes reactionary holes in a film that could easily have pled a more accommodating and sophisticated yet equally airtight case.

Rated: C+

Sep 6, 2010

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Audience Member

A truly touching documentary providing a first-hand look into the ongoing land issues across southern Africa. Misguided assumptions are torn down by Michael Campbell's story and those close to him.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/24/23

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Audience Member

When doing docs about Africa, please interview Africans!!!!

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

01/23/23

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Audience Member

one of the best docs i've seen in a while, if you really disagree with racism, you have to watch this.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/25/23

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Audience Member

Great documentary on the land grab by the corrupt Mugabe regime.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/02/23

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Audience Member

A fantastic inside look at racial persecution from an unlikely point of view. Excellent dramaturgy and editing, one of the better documentaries I've seen.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/29/23

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Audience Member

One of the best doco's I have ever sene. Focuses on the plight of White Zimbabwe farmers. Highly recommended for those interested in world affairs.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/10/23

Full Review

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Lucy Bailey

Director

Andrew Thompson

Director

Angela Campbell

Actor

Laura Freeth

Actor

Pauline Burt

Executive Producer

Steve Milne

Executive Producer

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Synopsis

Michael Campbell -- a white, 75-year-old farmer living in Zimbabwe -- stands up for his rights against an oppressive government in this fascinating documentary. Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe's controversial "Land Reform" system has forced most white farmers out of the country, turning their properties over to inexperienced government officials. But Campbell, determined to defend his farm (and the black workers and family members who live there), takes his case to international court.

Director: Lucy Bailey, Andrew Thompson
Producer: Elizabeth Morgan Hemlock, David Pearson
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: British English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 7, 2009, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 23, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA): $4.5K
Runtime: 1h 30m