Neria

Neria is a Zimbabwean film made in 1991, written by the novelist Tsitsi Dangarembga.[2] It is directed by Godwin Mawuru and the screenplay was written by Louise Riber. It is the highest-grossing film in Zimbabwean history.[3][4]

For the genus of stilt-legged flies, see Neria (fly). For the West Bank village, see Neria, Mateh Binyamin.

Neria
Movie Poster
Directed byGodwin Mawuru
Written byLouise Riber
Story byTsitsi Dangarembga
Produced byJohn Riber
Louise Riber
StarringJesese Mungoshi
Anthony Chinyanga
Dominic Kanaventi
Kubi Indi
Oliver Mtukudzi
CinematographyJohn Riber
Edited byLouise Riber
Music byOliver Mtukudzi
Production
company
Distributed byKJM3 Entertainment Group[1]
Release date
  • 1991 (1991) (Zimbabwe)
Running time
103 minutes
CountryZimbabwe
LanguageEnglish

The film concerns the struggles of a woman in a suburb of the capital; Harare, Warren Park, in Zimbabwe when she is widowed after her husband is killed in an accident. Her husband's older brother takes advantage of the death of his younger brother, and uses the inheritance for self-benefit at the expense of Neria and her two children. Its soundtrack, Neria remains one of the most celebrated Zimbabwean songs.[5] The soundtrack of the film was sung by Oliver Mtukudzi.

Plot

Harare, 1990. Neria and Patrick, a married couple, both work and earn money in the city and live a modern egalitarian lifestyle. But when Patrick is killed in an accident, his family uses traditional Shona custom to deprive Neria of her property and children.The film starts showing Neria and Patrick enjoying a modern life in the city with their two children. The couple goes to visit their family in the rural where they are persuaded by Patrick's mother to stay home rather than in the suburbs away from the rest of the family. Patrick objects stating that he and Neria have built a home in the suburb and their life belongs there. Back in the city, Patrick's car refuses to start as he wants to go to work, he then uses the bicycle instead. On his way from work his bicycle is hit by a truck and he dies on the spot.

Local Acclaim

The film is loved by Zimbabweans as they feel it is one of the few depictions of local living experiences and struggles on the big screen. There is yet to be a production that will rival Neria in this way.

Cast

Release

Neria was released in 1991.[6] The VHS went on sale in July 1992.[7]

Neria won the Best Soundtrack award from South African station M-Net in 1992.[8]

Neria was released in the United States in 1993, which is why it is sometimes erroneously given the date of 1993.[9] The Chicago Tribune gave it two and a half stars.[10]

References
  1. Cohn, Lawrence (27 April 1993). "Neria".
  2. Hausmann, Christine (3 May 2004). Bending Tradition to the Changing Times: The Use of Video as an Empowerment Tool in Nonformal Adult Education in Zimbabwe. Transaction Publishers. ISBN 9783889397324 – via Google Books.
  3. LEZ, "From Neria to Zollywood: The State of Zimbabwean Film", eZimbabwe, 7 September 2013.
  4. "Zambezia". University College of Rhodesia. 3 May 1996 – via Google Books.
  5. Kempley, Rita (9 April 1993). "'Neria' (NR)". The Washington Post. Retrieved 15 April 2007.
  6. "Zambezia". University College of Rhodesia. 3 May 1996 – via Google Books.
  7. Publishing, R. R. Bowker (3 March 2001). Bowker's Complete Video Directory 2001. R. R. Bowker LLC. ISBN 9780835244220 – via Google Books.
  8. Zindi, Fred (3 May 2003). "Music Workbook: Zimbabwe Versus the World". Zindisc – via Google Books.
  9. "Africa Development". Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa. 3 May 2010 – via Google Books.
  10. Petrakis, John. "'NERIA' WORKS BETTER AS AFRICAN FABLE THAN ART MOVIE". chicagotribune.com.


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