Watch Democrats

Democrats is a feature-length documentary from 2014 that takes viewers on a journey into the heart of Zimbabwe's political landscape. Directed by Danish filmmaker Camilla Nielsson, Democrats offers a behind-the-scenes look at the crafting of a new constitution for the country after years of dictatorship. The film centers around two men from opposing political parties: Paul Mangwana, a member of President Robert Mugabe's ruling ZANU-PF party, and Douglas Mwonzora of the MDC-T party. Mangwana is an experienced politician with a reputation for being a skilled negotiator, while Mwonzora is a younger, up-and-coming lawyer and member of parliament.

Despite their differences, the two men are tasked with leading a constitutional committee to draft a new constitution that will guide Zimbabwe's future. Nielsson's camera follows the two politicians as they travel the country, seeking input from Zimbabweans from all walks of life on what they want to see in their new constitution.

The film provides an intimate look at the often-contentious process of constitutional reform. We see Mangwana and Mwonzora navigate through heated debates, behind-the-scenes negotiations, and moments of profound disagreement. Along the way, the film offers glimpses into the challenges facing Zimbabwe, including political oppression, deep-rooted corruption, and extreme poverty.

One of the most striking aspects of Democrats is its portrait of Paul Mangwana. While most viewers might expect a member of Mugabe's ruling party to be an uncompromising ideologue, Mangwana complicates that image. He's shown as an intelligent and pragmatic negotiator, who is genuinely committed to steering Zimbabwe in a positive direction. As viewers watch Mangwana work alongside his political adversaries, the film challenges the notion that political divisions are always insurmountable.

The contrast between Mangwana and Mwonzora is also compelling. Mwonzora is an idealistic, passionate politician, who is dedicated to creating lasting change in Zimbabwe. His youthful energy and idealism stand in stark contrast to Mangwana's experience and wisdom. Yet, even as their differences come to the fore, the film never paints either man as a villain or a hero. Instead, they are complex, fully realized individuals with their own motivations and beliefs.

Throughout the film, we also get to see snippets of the larger political landscape in Zimbabwe. We hear about corruption scandals, opposition parties being silenced, and women's rights being undermined. These issues are always present, even as the film focuses primarily on the writing of the constitution. By the end of the film, viewers walk away with a renewed sense of the complexity of Zimbabwe's political system and how hard-won any change must be.

The cinematography in Democrats is beautifully executed. Nielsson and her camera crew capture stunning landscapes and bustling cityscapes, all while remaining unobtrusive. The film's pacing is slow, allowing the viewer to absorb the twists and turns of the political process without feeling disorientated. This measured approach helps to build tension as the two protagonists work towards a resolution of the constitutional issues that will secure the country's future.

In conclusion, Democrats is a must-see documentary for anyone interested in politics, human rights, and the power of compromise. The film offers a rare glimpse into the inner workings of Zimbabwe's political system while capturing intimate, often surprising moments between two politicians with vastly different outlooks. Through its lens, the viewer gains a deeper understanding of the challenges facing Zimbabwe as it attempts to build a more democratic society – one that offers citizens the rights and freedoms they deserve.