Through their art, the people of Tanzania present us with their beliefs and show how different their way of life is from the western world. Tindo Lichanda is a sculptor from Nwanda who never dreamed that his sculptures would have such an impact on his culture. After settling in the Chikundi village, he built a life for himself and his family by selling his pieces. Rashidi Mzuguno is a painter and the son of David Mzuguno, a famous painter who knew that his son would continue his legacy even after his death. Both men, although their art differs in style, are able to show the history of their shared culture through their artwork.
Miroslav Sirs, an engineer from the Czech Republic, discovered his passion for Africa after traveling there for work in 1998. During his five-year stay, his passion expanded to that of the African people. He decided to dedicate his life to show the rest of the world a different side of Tanzania. He works with dozens of African artists from the Makonde ethnic group in southern Tanzania. They create a myriad of unique paintings and wooden sculptures that reflect their ancient culture. He exhibits these pieces of artwork through his gallery, the Impala Gallery in the Czech Republic, as well as all over Europe.
After the Makonde people resisted persecution by Arab countries in Eastern Africa, they took the ancient style with them from Northern Mozambique to their current residence in the Makonde plateau. Although they were nearly forced into slavery, the group kept the tradition of their people during their travels and finally settled.
Portuguese colonizers and missionaries who arrived at the Makonde plateau became interested in the special ebony wood (mpingo) used.
Miro’s story began after he discovered this unique way of cultural expression. He decided to find a way to become personally involved with this culture and the people who created it. He fought against the government’s power to create the Makonde Carvers Centre in Chikundi, a place where dance, art and cultural expression is celebrated.
This film is a personal journey of a man driven to spread knowledge and introduce the world to the people of Tanzania. It will show the culture and the simple life behind this unique art that defines the Makonde ethnic group, which proves that art is a way to express who you really are.