Brenda Phiri Herald Reporter
Film is an effective tool that can be used to communicate ideas and resolve conflicts between nations, Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Minister Professor Jonathan Moyo has said.He said this while officiating at the première of a film “Paddington”, the first of its kind in Africa, that was hosted by the British Embassy at Ster Kinekor Theatre in Borrowdale, Harare.
The film is an adaptation of a classic children’s book that chronicles the life of a bear, Paddington, who struggles to find a new home in London after his was destroyed in an earthquake in Peru.
“It is an interesting story line for humanity and how to deal with differences in an engaging manner,” said Prof Moyo.
“It reminds us that the best stories are not packaged through news but film.”
Prof Moyo said in spite of the differences between Zimbabwe and Britain, there were deep-seated cultural ties, language being one of them.
“If we had paid attention to some of those things maybe some of the misunderstandings we have had recently could have been dealt with differently,” he said
Prof Moyo said while there were unpleasant memories in history between Harare and London, there were also positive ones that bind the two peoples, especially from a cultural perspective.
With reference to the film, Prof Moyo said its concept about how London was for everyone applied also to Zimbabwe.
British Ambassador Ms Catriona Laing said: “Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom have a long shared history, with strong ties, characterised by a common language and culture that includes adored childhood characters like Paddington bear.”