THE swearing in of Barack Obama as the United States’ 44th President —— the first African American ever elected to the country’s highest office —— was truly a historic event. Â
It is hard to imagine a better location for the inauguration anywhere in the world than our Chimanimani with its scenic mountain backdrop, friendly atmosphere and cool vibes.
 The US Embassy’s Public Affairs Section brings 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 fete that officially opens today and ends on Sunday.
The partnership represents a continuing collaboration between the Festival and the Embassy since the Fete’s grandiose rebirth in 2008.
The Chimanimani Arts Festival has become an integral part of the local community entertainment calendar and a draw card for visitors who come to the mountainous part of Zimbabwe to enjoy quality entertainment.
Mark Weinberg, Assistant Public Affairs Officer at the American Embassy told Independent Extra that his Embassy supported the Festival last year and would continue supporting it to add diversity to the Festival.
The Zimbabwe International Film Festival will weigh in with selected local films to complement what promises to be an exciting program for film lovers. In addition to the inauguration, two other international 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.
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 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 poet Elizabeth Alexander reciting her 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. —— Own Correspondent.
