The cultural scene was invigorated on Sunday, June 29, as 87 guests converged at the British Council offices for the much-anticipated screening of Prudence, a new documentary profiling acclaimed Zimbabwean visual artist Prudence Chimutuwah.
The event, held in partnership with British Council Zimbabwe, Samora Central, and The Authors, drew a diverse crowd including diplomats, creatives, entrepreneurs, and art lovers. It was a bold celebration of Zimbabwean creativity and collaboration, showcasing how art continues to connect people and spark important conversations across society.
Prudence, directed by Mordecai Musonza and produced by Usher Takudzwa Nyambi, traces the personal and professional journey of Chimutuwah starting from early struggles to becoming a recognized force in African contemporary art.
The film offers rare insight into the emotional, cultural, and economic challenges that shape the lives of women artists in Zimbabwe, while celebrating their resilience and innovation.
Opening remarks were delivered by Dr. Lloyd Anderson, Country Director at the British Council Zimbabwe. “It is vital that we make space for stories like these,” Dr. Anderson said. “They help us reflect, connect, and dream bigger, together.
”Also addressing the gathering was Mr. Oliver Chauke, Acting Deputy Director of Marketing and Communications at the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, who applauded the documentary as a milestone in documenting local artistic excellence. “It is time Zimbabwean artists and their stories take center stage,”
Chauke emphasized.Following the screening, guests were treated to a live spoken word performance by Bhanshee, whose emotive delivery added a powerful layer to the afternoon’s theme of creative resilience. Rising DJ talent Dee Baretoe kept the energy alive with a vibrant music set.
A selection of Zimbabwean dishes curated by Chez Zandi rounded off the cultural feast.A panel discussion after the film featured notable voices in Zimbabwe’s arts sector, including Fadzai Muchemwa (National Gallery of Zimbabwe), Calvin Chimutuwah (fine artist and Prudence’s husband), Usher Takudzwa Nyambi (Rolling Stone Africa editor), and Chipo Kanyumbu (Head of Arts at British Council Zimbabwe).
The conversation explored themes such as gender in the arts, cultural documentation, and building sustainable creative industries in Zimbabwe.The event was widely regarded as a success, merging film, music, food, and conversation to honor one of Zimbabwe’s most inspiring visual storytellers.
It also marked a growing recognition of the arts as a force for community, identity, and future-building in Zimbabwe’s changing social landscape.
