Stroud based producers David Pearson and Elizabeth Morgan Hemlock of Arturi Films whose gripping cinema film, Mugabe and The White African, led to a BAFTA Nomination and BIFA, PRIX ITALIA, GRIERSON Awards, and being shortlisted for an Oscar Nomination, are speaking at the Cheltenham Literature Festival next week. They reveal the story behind the making of the film, which follows a white farming family seeking justice from violent attacks by President Mugabe’s thugs trying to remove them from their land. Arturi is also launching Films Force Change, a new charity film fund, which would enable dynamic and engaging documentary and fictions films, which raise awareness of injustice and inequality to reach the widest global audience.

Said David, “Films like Mugabe and the White African are difficult to get made and we believe more powerful films that highlight the need for change could be produced to reach the broadest audience, with help that is currently difficult to find. Films Force Change will offer filmmakers support for completion help with award campaigns, outreach and focused calls to action. The experience we learned through making Mugabe and The White African can be used to help other films succeed on a wide range of subject matters”.

With growing interest from philanthropists and donors, Elizabeth explained, “These will be films with emotional stories for a better world, which ignite debate and highlight the need for action and change. We invite offers of help from those who wish to see this become a reality.”

David and Elizabeth will talk at the Literature Festival about making Mugabe and The White African and show clips from it and answer questions on Tuesday 11th October at 8.45pm-10pm at the Playhouse in Cheltenham. Tickets can be obtained here