A Zambian movie streaming on Netflix.
Just released on UK Netflix, “ Mwabi – Can You See Us?”(2022) is a Zambian movie written by Andrew and Lawrence Thompson and directed by Kenny Mumba.
It follows the story of a Zambian boy with albinism named Joseph. His challenges start from the moment he is born and the story portrays how events shape him and how the choices he makes modify his future.
In Zambia, albinos are called “Mwabi.” In Malawian Tonga, “Mwabi” means “Good fortune.” In Nyanja, good fortune is “Mwai / Mwayi.” It’s not clear how albinos came to be called “Mwabi,” but the movie touches on the unfortunate false beliefs among some people that harming albinos would bring them luck. A strong message, reiterated in the movie, helps to shed light on what lies behind this and other forms of hostile behaviour towards albinos. It also sows the seed of hope for tackling the root of intolerance.
John Chiti, a popular Zambian musician and the founder and Director of Albino Foundation Of Zambia, served as part of the inspiration for the story.
The movie features a cast of talented Zambian actors and actresses. The production and editing help to move the story along.
The viewer is left with a few questions in the end but this would appear to be an attempt to limit the length of the movie and doesn’t detract from the main story.
“Can You See Us?” is an important contribution to the discussion on how we interact with those who look different from us.
The movie is worth checking out if you are looking for a moving and inspiring story.
Excellent movie but it leaves out how Joseph’s mother and stepmother died.