A NEW film telling the story of the past, present and future of a remote East African town has been premiered in Fordingbridge.

Mikindani – a documentary about the town of the same name – launched at the Regal Cinema on Sunday, July 7.

It has been produced by Approach Films and funded through donations to Fordingbridge-based Trade Aid, a charity that “works with the people of Tanzania to create sustainable employment” through vocational and English training, clean water supplies and more.

It tells the story of the town, including the development and impact of the Mikindani Museum, that Trade Aid has supported since 1997.

Among the group’s achievements is the creation of the Mikindani Museum, which has welcomed thousands of visitors to see the story of the town’s history, including the East African slave trade and Dr David Livingstone, since it opened in 2018.

“The Makonde have a rich heritage which is adapting to a changing world; this intimate and interesting film celebrates the past, present and future of the Makonde,” a spokesperson said.

“It acts as an audio-visual record of passing traditions for future generations as well as acting as an educational tool which will feature within the museum.”

Tim Dench, Trade Aid trustee, added: “It was great to launch the documentary film with so many long-term supporters but also to people who knew nothing about the Makonde or the work of the Mikindani Museum and Trade Aid generally.

“As well as the events in Fordingbridge our team in Mikindani were able to arrange a showing for those who are the subject of the film.”

All costs for creating the film have been covered by donations, while the time to film, produce and direct it has been done on a voluntary basis.

Approach Films is a North Wales-based company creating factual content and documentary films for organisations championing cultural, environmental and charitable causes, helmed by director Freya Williams.

The film is now free to view online at www.tradeaiduk.org/mikindani-museum.