A presidential election held during a period of extreme political divisiveness. A constitutional democracy under threat by the incumbent president himself. The possibility of a stolen election. These conditions might bring to mind the U.S. in 2020. But Camilla Nielsson’s masterful new observational documentary “President” focuses its unblinking eye on Zimbabwe during the country’s pivotal and turbulent 2018 presidential campaign. Picking up where her widely acclaimed film “Democrats” left off, Nielsson embeds with presidential challenger Nelson Chamisa, a young, charismatic leader dedicated to challenging the corrupt ruling order. The result is a campaign film as riveting and revealing as any you have ever seen.

Speaking to Mike and Ken from her home in Copenhagen during a gloomy fall evening, Camilla shed light on the incredible political journey of Nelson Chamisa and on her own challenging creative process. How did she gain such amazing access to Chamisa and his campaign? How did a small documentary crew manage to outshine the international news media in its coverage? When Chamisa was forced into hiding, how did Camilla pivot and keep shooting? With democracies everywhere under fire, there are no easy answers. But thanks to “President”, we can see what courageous leadership looks like. Released by Greenwich Entertainment, “President” opens in theaters on December 17th.

President is now playing in New York and Los Angeles.

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