Greetings again from the darkness. Actor Alexander Bedria wrote, directs, and stars in this short film that offers a history lesson alongside some dramatic tension. We learn that in 1980, after 15 years of Civil War, Zimbabwe finally gains its independence. By 2000, the government is seizing property (especially white-owned property) from those considered anything other than native Zimbabweans.

Daniel Silva (played by director Bedria) is a multi-generation land- owner/farmer, and he takes a stand to protect his land and loved ones when he becomes the next target of the government. William, his long time farm hand and "friend", is played by native Zimbabwean Tongayi Chirisa and remains loyal to his life-long friend and employer despite the fear (and reality) of brutal violence.

Amanda Wing plays Silva's pregnant wife, Constance Ejuma plays William's wife, Caroline Lagerfelt (memorable as the nurse in MINORITY REPORT) plays a family member, while Shawn Baker is Montanga, a terrifying government affiliate responsible for carrying out the evictions.

It's a well made and tension-filled short film that, at its core, asks the philosophical question: should those of today pay for the transgressions of those in the past? On the flip side, should they be allowed to benefit from those transgressions? Silva understandably asks, how many generations back must his family ownership go before he is considered native. It's a reasonable question with no easy answer  in fact, your answer likely depends on which side of the issue you fall.

The drama genre is a broad category that features stories portraying human experiences, emotions, conflicts, and relationships in a realistic and emotionally impactful way. Dramas delve into the complexities of human life, often exploring themes of love, loss, morality, societal issues, personal growth, with the aim to evoke an emotional response from the audience by presenting relatable and thought-provoking stories.

Mahershala Ali and Alex R. Hibbert in Moonlight (2016)

The short form refers to creative works characterized by their brevity and concise storytelling. Unlike full-length feature films, short films have a running time of less than 45 minutes, while TV shorts have a running time of less than 22 minutes.

Benedict Cumberbatch in The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar (2023)

The thriller genre features suspense, tension, and excitement. These stories are known for keeping audiences on the edge of their seats and delivering intense emotional experiences by revolving around high-stakes situations, dangerous conflicts, and the constant anticipation of unexpected events.

The Western genre features stories set primarily in the 19th-century American Old West and often depict the rugged frontier life, exploring themes of individualism, justice, morality, and the clash between civilization and the untamed wilderness. The genre has its roots in the historical context of westward expansion and the challenges faced by pioneers, settlers, outlaws, and lawmen.

John Wayne and Harry Carey Jr. in The Searchers (1956)

A farmer struggles to protect his home and loved ones amidst the violent turmoil of the Zimbabwean land seizures.

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Get a closer look at these actors from their many TV and streaming series roles.

Streaming Stars, Then and Now

Amanda Wing and Alexander Bedria in The Zim (2017)

Tongayi Chirisa and Alexander Bedria in The Zim (2017)

The Zim

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