Mozambique 50 years of independence – events all throughout the year

Thu 15 May - Wed 20 Aug

Bristol

Our partner in Bristol, Bristol Link with Beira (previously ACTSA Bristol) has a series of events planned around the 50th anniversary of Mozambique’s independence. Most of these are in Bristol, free and unticketed.

Mozambique 50th/BLB 35th: Diary of Events

26th April: Bristol Radical History Festival: M Shed: Mozambique at 50: A Luta Continua

We showed extracts of “Our Sophisticated Weapon: Posters of the Mozambican Revolution” and charted the relationship between Bristol and Mozambique, and in particular the origins of Bristol Link with Beira.

Dave Spurgeon, the BLB Secretary, gave a talk running through the history leading up to Independence and the challenges Mozambique has faced since then.

29th April – 19th June: All Shall be Afford Dignity

The Normal Kaplan exhibition as part of the 30 years of South African democracy commemoration continues its UK tour and is in John Wesley’s New Room, Bristol BS1 3JE.

12th May – 15th June: Our Sophisticated Weapon: Posters of the Mozambican Revolution: Bristol Central Library

Exhibition ‘Our Sophisticated Weapon: Posters of the Mozambican Revolution’. ‘The sophisticated weapon is guaranteeing all citizens the right to study, culture, health, justice, progress… The sophisticated weapon is the people’s right to create their own history, by directing their own destiny… the sophisticated weapon is…the alternative of civilisation that our society now represents.’ (Samora Machel, President of Mozambique, August 1982)

More details about the content are on the website ‘‘Our Sophisticated Weapon: Posters of the Mozambican Revolution’’ with specially commissioned audio works by Mozambican musician and producer TRKZ (Ailton Matavela).

The eye-catching posters chart the primary aims of the post-independence nation, as they sought to establish a new society of unity and resilience in the wake of colonial rule.  Campaigns included memorialisation of heroes of the liberation struggle; declarations of solidarity with the socialist world and ongoing anti-colonial struggles; and directives for the future of culture, production and women in the new society. Together, the posters offer fascinating insight into Frelimo’s vision for a utopian future, pitched as their ultimate weapon in the ideological battles of the time.

The exhibition was curated by Polly Savage and Richard Gray, with support from SOAS, and facilitated by Bristol Link with Beira, with the Bristol International Twinning Officer, Zoe Gibbons. The exhibition is sponsored by Bristol Link with Beira, Bristol Libraries, Bristol Commonwealth Society, Bristol International Twinning Association and the Amiel and Melburn Trust.

 

14th June: Film Dance for Peace at Sparks, 78 Broadmead, BS1 3DS. 17.00 – 18.30

Produced by Zimmedia. Directed by Simon Bright. Presented by Bristol Link with Beira, Global Goals Centre and Afrika Eye.

The film is based on the choreographed ‘Ode a Paz’ created by Mozambique’s National Dance Company. In the spirit of reconciliation and peace, the Dance Company celebrated the end of a violent seventeen-year civil war by taking their production ‘Ode to Peace’ on tour throughout Mozambique in 1994. As a tool of voter education, the Dance Company was determined to educate people about the need to vote within the new democracy, using the language of dance. Dance for Peace follows the Dance Company as they travel and perform throughout Mozambique; inter-cut with footage from the civil war leading to ceasefire and demobilisation. The film establishes the integral connection between the flourishing of culture after war and the role that culture and arts can play in healing the anger and wounds of the past.

 

23rd June 19.30: Film Marrabenta Stories with Q & A with Karen Boswell at St Paul’s Learning Centre, 94 Grosvenor Road, BS2 8XJ

Produced by Contracosta Produções, Catembe Produções, and Íris Imaginações. Directed by Karen Boswall. Presented by Bristol Radical Film Group and Bristol Link with Beira.

2004 musical documentary, covering Marrabenta, the national music of Mozambique. Young musicians from Mozambique, who usually play Jazz, Funk and Hip Hop, join a group of old men who are stars of the Marrabenta, the traditional Mozambique folk music. Together they form a band called Mabulu and mix their different music styles. The “Old Glories”, as they are affectionately called by their fans, sing songs that describe the sad and funny details of their everyday lives.

 

25th June: Mozambique Independence Day

TBC

 

20th August: Beira Day

Will raise the Beira flag at City Hall and .

 

December: 35th Anniversary of Friendship Agreement.

To be celebrate as part of a zoom conference call between key people and leaders in Beira and Bristol. Details still being worked out.

 

Also keep an eye out for:

  • Further film showings
  • Joe Hanlon talk
  • Meal