Barack Obama’s ‘inauguration’ comes to Chimanimani
U.S. support increases diversity of art form at Festival
The U.S. Embassy’s Public Affairs Section will bring this historic event to life when it collaborates with the Chimanimani Arts Festival to showcase a series of international films, including the inauguration of President Barack Obama, at the Festival that begins today in the Eastern Highlands.
“We have responded to demand from many Zimbabweans who have visited our offices to request copies of President Obama’s speech and the ceremony. But most important, we hope the selection of films will enthrall audiences and arts lovers as part of the diverse assortment of cultural activities at the Festival,’ says Mark Weinberg, Assistant Public Affairs Officer at the American Embassy.
Weinberg said his Embassy supported the Festival last year and would continue supporting it to add diversity to the Festival. This year the Embassy provided a modest grant to support activities at the Festival.
In addition to the inauguration, two other films will be screened. They are “Lean On Me,” a Morgan Freeman masterpiece based on a true story of courage, guts and action and “A Soldier’s Story,” a spellbinding mystery and a superb drama that transcends race.
The one hour video “Presidential Inauguration of Barack Obama” features performances by Aretha Franklin singing “My Country Tis of Thee,” and a rendition of John Williams’ composition “Air and Simple Gifts,” performed by cellist Yo-Yo Ma, violinist Itzhak Perlman, pianist Gabriela Montero and clarinetist Anthony McGill. Other performances included the United States Navy Band’s Sea Chanters performing the National Anthem and American poet Elizabeth Alexander reciting her inaugural poem, “Praise Song for the Day.”
The Chimanimani Arts Festival has a full program of music and arts related performances, exhibitions and workshops featuring both local and international artists and productions.
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