Cinema
Neria
Godwin Mawuru · 1991
Synopsis
Harare, 1990. Neria and her husband Patrick, who both work in town, lead a modern, equal life with their two children in the suburb of Warren Park; on a visit to the village, they refuse to give in to Patrick's mother, who would like to see them move back there. Patrick is killed while riding his bicycle, knocked down by a lorry. His elder brother, Phineas, then invokes Shona custom to seize the money, the household's belongings, and then Neria's children, but Neria refuses to let herself be dispossessed.
Context
The screenplay was written by Louise Riber from a story by the novelist Tsitsi Dangarembga, and the film was produced by John and Louise Riber for Media for Development. Oliver Mtukudzi composed the music and plays Jethro, the heroine's brother; the song he wrote for the film has remained one of the best known in the country. Released in Zimbabwe in 1991, on video in July 1992, it reached the United States only in 1993, hence the date often wrongly given for it. A remake, Neria 21, appeared in 2024.
Who it is for
In English, one hundred and three minutes, with a linear narrative. The film itself shows the custom invoked to dispossess widows.
Prizes and reception
The greatest commercial success of Zimbabwean cinema; prize for best director from the OAU at Carthage and prize for best original score from M-Net in 1992.