Neria
Directed by Goodwin Mawuru Zimbabwe, 1992. 103 minutes

Source: KJM3 Entertainment Group, Inc.

Based on events in director Goodwin Mawuru's own life. Neria ruefully illustrates deliberate perversion of traditional customs for the sake of personal greed. Neria, beautifully played by Jesesi Mungoshi, together with her husband Patrick, has built a solid, comfortable life in the city. But, when Patrick is tragically killed, Neria finds herself caught in the clutches of her husband's family. Invoking "tradition," her brother-in-law first takes all of her money and possessions and then tries to take her children-leaving her with little more than her clothes. Feeling helpless at first, Neria gathers the will to fight back for the sake of her children and finds that both law and tradition are on her side. Another impressive feature debut, Neria is a fascinating portrait of a society in transition as well as a powerful feminist statement.