SHANDA Dir/Scr: John Riber, Zimbabwe, 2002, 70min UK PREMIERE The exuberant, life-affirming music of Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi flows through this inspiring documentary portrait of a man, his times and his music. At the heart of this journey is one man’s intimate relationship with his beloved homeland, Zimbabwe, from the liberation struggle to the sunburst of independence. Whether you’re curious about the music of Southern Africa or a long-time fan of Oliver Mtukudzi, Shanda could have you dancing in the aisles. Playing with: A LION’S TRAIL Dir/Scr: Francois Verster, South Africa, 2002, 55min UK PREMIERE This documentary investigates the mysterious origins of the song Mbube (which would become the often-covered The Lion Sleeps Tonight). The film follows the music, from Solomon Linda, the Zulu herdsman who first wrote the song in the 20’s to Ladysmith Black Mambazo whom he inspired, to the Americans who took it to number 1 in the 60’s, to The Lion King Broadway musical. It’s a trail of exploitation and appropriation and a fascinating piece of musical History.