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Roots

Roots tells the story of Banthu Ndiwo, a traditional dance group based in Misisi Compound, as they struggle to preserve the cultural heritage of Southern Africa in a rapidly changing urban environment. Through rehearsals, performances, and everyday survival, the film follows the dancers as they confront deep-rooted myths surrounding traditional expression, following the group’s journey as they prepare to perform three traditional dances from Zambia, marking them as the first group to unite these dances on one stage.

Set against the dense, vibrant life of Misisi, the story reveals how culture becomes both a refuge and a burden, something that gives identity and pride, yet offers little financial security. As the group battles poverty, unstable living conditions, and limited opportunities, their commitment to dance becomes an act of resistance against cultural erasure.

Roots is not only about performance, but about survival, belief, and the cost of holding onto tradition in a world that often dismisses it. The film explores how heritage is passed on, questioned, and reshaped by a new generation determined to stay connected to their origins while facing the harsh realities of life on the margins.

  • Emmanuel Mwape
    Director
  • Emmanuel Mwape
    Writer
  • Edward Chabu
    Producer
  • Edward Chabu
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    47 minutes 24 seconds
  • Production Budget:
    3,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Zambia
  • Country of Filming:
    Zambia
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
  • Golden Pickocock Hotel
    Lusaka
    Zambia
    December 5, 2025
  • Chinese Cultural Visual Expo
    Shenzhen
    China
    December 19, 2025
    Selection
  • Telangana Indie Documentary Film Festival
    Hyderabad
    India
    November 8, 2025
    International Premiere
    Best Foreign Documentary
Distribution Information
  • Bees Media Distribution
    Distributor
    Country: China
    Rights: All Rights
Director Biography - Emmanuel Mwape

Emmanuel Mwape, born on March 18, 1991, is a Multichoice Talent Factory Alumni and highly acclaimed Zambian filmmaker known for his exceptional talent in producing both fiction and non-fiction films. Raised in the challenging environment of the Misisi compound, Emmanuel's upbringing has fueled his passion for storytelling. He pursued his secondary education at The Kamwala Secondary School, honing his creative skills. Emmanuel's journey as a filmmaker began with his enrollment in the Multi-choice Talent Factory, quickly establishing himself as a promising talent. His impressive portfolio includes notable works such as the feature film "SAUL" and award-winning short films like "Confession" and "Zambian Cab." His talent earned him five awards for Best Short Documentary at renowned festivals, including the Moja Italia Festival in Italy. Emmanuel's recent endeavors include "The Painting," nominated at the prestigious AMVCA awards, He also received his AMVCA Awards nomination for best southern African Film with is award winning films Man of Gold and Silver linning. He has also contributed his expertise as the Director of Photography for the comedy drama series "Uncle Limbani," and his recent film "Silver Lining" was nominated for Best Southern African Film at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice awards. Emmanuel's films delve into urban crimes, social issues, and cultural beliefs, challenging and provoking thought. He has firmly established himself as a prominent figure in the Zambian film industry, captivating audiences both locally and internationally.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Roots is a deeply personal film for me because it reflects stories that are familiar to the communities I grew up around. Misisi Compound is often spoken about through the lens of hardship, poverty, and survival, but rarely through its cultural richness and artistic resilience. Through this film, I wanted to shift that narrative by highlighting young people who are actively preserving identity and heritage in spaces where survival often takes priority over tradition.

Banthu Ndiwo represents more than a dance group. They symbolize a generation trying to hold onto cultural memory in an environment that constantly pushes them toward modern survival at the expense of heritage. Their effort to unite three traditional Zambian dances on one stage is not only an artistic achievement, but also a statement about unity, identity, and cultural continuity. I was drawn to their story because it raises important questions about the value society places on culture and the sacrifices artists make to preserve it.

Visually and emotionally, I wanted the film to feel intimate and grounded in the daily realities of Misisi. By observing rehearsals, performances, and personal struggles, Roots explores the tension between passion and survival, pride and economic hardship, tradition and modernity.

Ultimately, this film is about resilience. It is about how culture survives through people who refuse to let it disappear. I hope Roots encourages audiences to reflect on the importance of preserving heritage, supporting cultural practitioners, and recognizing art as both a form of identity and a tool for survival.