Amai Rose: a documentary for Zimbabwe Day

bristol | miscellaneous | event notice Wednesday June 17, 2009 16:40 by Nick Thomas - The Pierian Centre info at pieriancentre dot com The Pierian Centre, 27 Portland Square, St Pauls, Bristol BS2 8SA 0117 924 4512

Part of Bristol’s Refugee Week

Tenacity and courage are needed to bring up a family in Zimbabwe today. Amai Rose is a new documentary following a cross-border trader struggling to support her family in Harare. Director Ingrid Sinclair of Zimmedia will introduce this free screening as part of Zimbabwe Day at the Pierian Centre on Friday 19th June.

Amai Rose is a Zimbabwean woman in her late 40’s. Her struggle is not one of grim resistance, but is characterized by a sharp sense of humour, an easy laugh and generous communication skills. Her imaginative tactical planning, clear analysis of strengths and her ability to set appropriate goals would make her a great CEO – but in fact she is a housemaid and cross-border trader, a domestic worker with a difference. At an age when many African women are looking forward to retirement, Amai Rose has just found herself a new job.

Filmed under difficult conditions in Zimbabwe, this 30 minute observational documentary explores Amai Rose’s feelings about life, love and child rearing. A graphic picture emerges of the pressures exerted by Zimbabwe’s political and economic situation – but the film reveals a woman who believes that power can be taken and used to change lives for the better. This “avant premier”is presented by Afrika Eye – and director Ingrid Sinclair will be on hand to discuss the film and the issues it raises.

The screening of Amai Rose is free, but booking is advisable on info@pieriancentre.com or 0117 924 4512. It takes place at 4.45pm on Friday 19th June at the Pierian Centre, 27 Portland Square, St Pauls, Bristol BS2 8SA. It forms part of the Zimbabwe Day celebrations – 12 hours of music, dance, film, food and discussion. Zimbabwe Day is part of Bristol’s Refugee Week – full details at www.bristolrefugeeweek.co.uk.