Mueda, Memoria e Massacre (1981) - full transcript
Awards:
Union of People's Friendship
and Film Culture, Tashkent (USSR) 1980
June 16th
Some men had started
discussions with the authorities
asking for freedom and better pay.
While the population supported the leaders
the authorities sent the police to invite everyone
in the villages for a meeting in Mueda.
Several thousands of people came.
Meanwhile, the administrator asked
the state governor of Cabo Delgado
to come with a group of troops
but these troops stayed in hiding.
We could not see them.
On the appointed date
and after talking about what
the peanut trade would be like that year
the governor asked the crowd
who would like to speak.
There were many candidates
so the governor asked them
to make a separate group.
So, without further ado
he ordered the police
to arrest those people in the group.
The police started beating them up.
I was nearby, I saw everything.
When the others saw what was going on
they started demonstrating against colonialists.
In the meantime, they put the prisoners,
with their hands tied, into police trucks.
The crowd protested
and got closer to the police
to prevent them from taking the prisoners.
So, the governor called the troops
and told them to shoot.
They killed around 600 people
on the June 16th, 1960.
"A Survivor."
Origins of the Mozambican people...
When the Portuguese arrived in Mozambique
in the year 1498
they found
a chief,
an Arab
named
Mussa Al Mbique
on the Island of Mozambique.
Bantu
is the name
of the large group
of languages
that we speak.
The first inhabitants
of Southern Africa
including
Mozambicans
were
Khoisans,
people
of small stature.
They were nomads.
After the Khoisans
came
the Hottentot
people
who were rather
advanced
in social life.
The Khoisans
fled
to the Kalahari Desert
where they still are today.
Let's read...
MUEDA: MEMORY AND MASSACRE
Every year, on the day of the massacre,
the "Mueda Drama" is staged.
The play takes place at the location
where the actual event took place,
featuring actors and audience members
who witnessed the historic tragedy
making it more lively and active.
This film, based on this popular memory,
is dedicated to all the Mozambican people.
Viva FRELIMO!
Viva!
Viva FRELIMO!
Viva!
May you all feel welcome!
- We do!
Ladies and gentlemen,
we now want to talk to you
about that event
in memory of the Massacre of Mueda,
which occurred here in 1960.
We request that you remain orderly and alert
until the start of the shooting.
Every person who is stopped
should maintain a good posture
and behave orderly.
Because we're now independent.
This is no time to open your mouth
without thinking or to be careless.
Otherwise people out there
could laugh at you.
Avoid scratching yourselves
and giving us a bad image.
This film will be shown in Europe
and the rest of the world.
So it'd be good if each of you
would maintain a good posture.
Maintain silence and a good posture
so that those who see you can say
"Yes, sir, that person knows how to behave."
While we're acting,
they'll begin to shoot.
Once they start shooting,
we'll all back up a bit.
But don't go back home.
It's just a matter of taking
a few steps back.
You shouldn't suddenly exit.
That wouldn't be good.
In short, I'd like to request you,
my colleagues, to maintain a good posture.
As I've said,
this film will go as far as Europe.
Viva FRELIMO!
- Viva!
So...
let's make room
for the filming to begin
before the sun shines down
where there's now shade.
Viva FRELIMO!
- Viva!
Everything fine?
Everything's fine.
Where are you from?
- From Tanganyika.
Where are you going?
- To talk to the whites.
And what will you say?
- I'll talk to the whites.
I'll first inform them
and then come and talk to you.
But I'll speak with the whites.
Please...
Excuse me!
There's someone outside.
Where is he from?
- He says he's from Tanganyika.
From Tanganyika?
- Yes.
So tell him I want to meet him.
Uncle! Come here, quick.
You, quick, without delay.
Where are you from?
- From Tanganyika.
What are your intentions?
- I've come to talk to the whites inside.
You've got a mouth to talk to whites?
- I can talk to whites.
Don't you know that you're black?
- I know I'm black.
Tell it to me. I'm white.
I'm already enough.
First I have to tell them.
Then I'll tell you.
Tell me!
- I know you're white, I'll tell you.
I already told you
not to move your arms when you talk.
Tac-Tac Mandussi, make him wait here
while I go and tell the whites.
Come.
So what happened?
There's someone here, but he's black.
He wants to talk to the Lord Administrator.
He's black like you?
I'm white.
- You're white? - Yes, sir.
He's from Tanganyika, right?
- Yes.
Tell him to enter.
To enter!
- Yes.
Tac-Tac Mandussi!
Hello. Come here.
Come on, hurry.
Go ahead, then.
Here's the black.
Ask him why he came here.
Why are you here?
- To ask for independence.
He came to ask for independence.
Does he know who created Mozambique?
Do you know who built Mozambique?
I know. It was us,
the Mozambican people.
He knows.
It was the Mozambicans themselves
who created Mozambique.
Doesn't he know that it was us,
the Portuguese, who created Mozambique?
You don't know that it was us,
the whites, who created Mozambique?
It belongs to us, you didn't create it.
It existed when you arrived by boat.
He's saying
that the Portuguese are fish
who came from the sea.
I can't...
It was us who cut off their tails!
It was us whites who cut off your tails.
You were monkeys.
We were never monkeys.
You're fish that came by boat.
Ask if he can discuss
the problems with me.
You're so black.
You can talk to this white?
Yes, I talk to him
because he's on my land.
He can talk... - No, he can't!
Send him back to Tanganyika!
Send him back
to where he came from...Tanganyika!
Take him back to where he came from.
I'm Faustino Vanomba.
I work at the Inhambane post office.
I am 56 years old.
At that time I left Mozambique
and headed towards Tanganyika.
What led me to Tanganyika
were Mozambique's low salaries.
In Tanganyika there was work
and it was paid well.
I lived in Dar es Salaam
for twelve years.
After Tanganyika's government
achieved independence
I asked the Government of Tanzania
the permission
to go and ask the people in Mozambique
why it was not independent yet.
At that point, I was still alone
and left for Mozambique
on February 2nd, 1959.
I contacted people asking
why they weren't requesting independence.
People said
they didn't request it out of fear.
I asked: "If someone else
requests independence, will you follow him?"
The Mozambican people said yes
that they'd follow someone
to free the country.
I went to talk to the administrator of Mueda.
But he sent me back to Tanganyika.
I was accompanied to Newala.
In Newala,
I caught a flight to Dar es Salaam.
Once in Dar es Salaam
many people approached me
and asked what I had said in Mozambique.
I called together a meeting
and explained to the MANU members
what had happened.
Ah, Macímboa da Praia!
Hello, Macímboa da Praia!
Mueda calling!
I request that you inform Vitor Golpe
to bring 57 chickens
and 80 eggs for the administrator.
Secondly, we ask you to send
100 blacks for the cleaning work
around the house of the Lord Administrator.
Hello, Macímboa da Praia!
Mueda calling!
Hear that?
Macímboa da Praia!
Hello, Macímboa da Praia!
Mueda calling!
I request that you inform Vitor Golpe
to bring 57 chickens
and 80 eggs for the administrator.
Secondly, we ask you to send
100 blacks for the cleaning work
around the house of the Lord Administrator...
These are your documents?
Where are you from?
This guy fled to Tanganyika.
- The stamp is from Tanganyika.
Take off your hat.
He's from Tanganyika, right?
- Yes.
How dare you leave Tanganyika and come here?
- I'm not from Tanganyika.
I'm from the Catholic mission.
- Mission?
So what is this?
Where did you get that shirt?
- The shirt is from Tanganyika.
Tie him up and take him inside.
You guys take that man inside fast.
The war began
with the arrival of Tiago from Tanganyika.
When he came,
he encountered the Portuguese.
He said:
"You've governed here for a long time.
Time to go back to your own land."
The Portuguese said:
"Where did that crazy person come from?
This guy is saying crazy stuff."
But we didn't know
that Tiago belonged to another party: MANU.
We only said that he was doing a good thing.
That's when the Portuguese called Ernesto
and told him to accompany Tiago to his country.
So Ernesto took Tiago to Newala.
After Ernesto's return
came Zacarias Vanomba,
who also intended to expel the Portuguese.
He said: "You've governed for a long time.
Now we want to govern our own country."
The Portuguese believed
that he should be expelled.
Good morning. - Where are you going?
- To the administration.
Excuse me, excuse me.
How are you, uncle?
- I'm fine.
Where are you going?
- To the administration.
To do what?
To meet with the whites.
- To do what?
We're going to talk to the whites.
And say what?
It's none of your business.
- You'll know when we're inside.
Is that your wife?
- No, she's my co-worker.
What's your name?
- Tiago Mula.
And you?
- I'm Modesta.
The guy ran off with a bike.
- That was your fault! You were sleeping!
But you don't know what cassava is?
You've never seen cassava?
What's going on?
- I didn't come here to talk to you.
Where are these people going?
- I don't want to talk to you.
Why are you carrying a cassava?
Aren't you Mozambicans?
Don't you know what a cassava is?
I don't want to talk to you.
Careful, she's unlucky.
Me, unlucky? No, you're unlucky.
You'll certainly end up alone,
these whites will leave you here.
Are these the people?
- Yes, they are.
Where are you coming?
- From Tanganyika.
From Tanganyika?
Is that your wife?
- No, she's my colleague.
Is this your husband?
- No, he's my co-worker.
Women work?
- Yeah, why shouldn't they?
Tac-Tac Mandussi,
take these people over there.
What's going on?
Two people from Tanganyika have come.
Are they white?
- No.
Are they black?
- They're black.
Two blacks, right?
What do they want?
They say they want to talk
to the Lord Administrator.
Send them in.
Tac-Tac Mandussi!
Yes?
Come in!
Is the problem the hat or we, the people?
Don't touch the table of whites.
This is them.
So ask what they want.
You from Tanganyika, what do you want?
- We want independence.
They want independence.
- What?
They want independence.
- Do they know what independence is?
Do you know what independence is?
- Yes, we do!
That's why we're here!
They know what independence is.
Ask if they know who created Mozambique.
Do you know who created Mozambique?
Yes, we do. Mozambique is ours.
We blacks are the owners of this country.
They think blacks can talk
with whites like me?
You think blacks can talk with whites?
We'll say our opinion
even if it's to a white.
Yes, they can.
What?
Don't they know
it was us whites who cut off their tails?
Don't you know you were monkeys
and we whites cut off your tails?
Not at all. We're not monkeys.
- We're on our land. We're not foreigners.
You're fish because you came by boat.
So we want our independence.
Is this your wife?
No, I'm a co-worker.
- A co-worker? Women work?
Of course women work.
Both of them are workers.
What's that?
It's cassava. We brought cassava
for you to plant in your country.
To sustain you!
- A gift? Arrest them!
These people have come to insult us!
You can arrest us,
but you'll return to your land.
This land isn't yours!
You can arrest us
but this land belongs to us.
You don't have land here. Sooner or later
you'll return to your own land.
Look at you! Shame on you!
The whites will leave
and you'll stay here because it's your land.
Get out of here! Don't touch me!
Send the car immediately!
Send them to Porto Amélia!
This country is ours. You will leave!
We'll stay here because this is our land.
And you stink!
Get out! Bunch of scoundrels!
You're being used as a doormat!
You can arrest me, but I'm on my land!
Shame on you!
Shut up! You stink!
Shame on you!
Who is this?
- This is the chief.
So how are you, my friend?
- Alright.
And at home?
- Everything's fine.
I wanted to come two days ago,
but it got too late.
That's fine, no problem.
Wait for me here.
The chief has arrived.
Everything fine with you?
- Yes.
Have you brought chickens?
- No, I haven't.
Why?
- Hyenas ate them.
In all of the village, no one has chickens?
- No, they don't.
Look, are you telling the truth?
- Yes.
OK. Wait right there.
My friend, these whites are asking too much.
- For sure.
The chief has come.
So has he brought the chickens?
- He hasn't brought anything.
Then ask him to bring them.
Hello, Porto Amélia!
Call at once!
Call Lourenço Marques at once!
We want to inform you
that blood has begun to spill here in Mueda!
This is the black.
So ask where the chickens are.
Where are the chickens?
- I don't have any.
He says he has no chickens.
- Say it again.
There are none!
- You don't have any chickens?
Is he kidding the authorities?
Are you kidding the authorities?
- I'm not kidding, the chickens died.
He's not kidding.
All the chickens have died.
So beat his palms 50 times.
Come on, come on.
Hello, Macomia, Macomia!
Mueda calling!
Hello, Macomia, Mueda calling!
Alas, woe is me!
Alas, woe is me!
Beat that guy!
He refused to give me a drink in his house!
He refused to give me a drink in his house!
- He has to learn!
On top of that,
he didn't bring any chickens.
Oh mother!
Mom, I'm dying because of chickens!
My job is to cultivate.
My second job...
My second job is
to receive government orders
in order to provide the necessary support
for the population.
I'm the Social Affairs Commissioner...
...in Lilondo.
The war started
because we're demanding our land.
First Tiago came to Mueda.
He spoke to the Portuguese,
but was chased away and is gone.
A Sepoy was sent to accompany him out.
He was sent away.
And in fact, he was accompanied
to the Rovuma River.
The next morning
Faustino Vanomba appeared.
He also reached Mueda
and he said:
"I've come to demand our land."
He was alone.
He too was sent away.
Shortly after that, Shibiliti came
with a woman.
Excuse me, excuse me.
- Welcome.
How are you, uncle?
- I'm fine.
Here again, uncle? - Yes, now I've come
with our top leader, this gentleman.
So you're in charge of these people?
- Yes, I am, or rather, we are.
You'll get into trouble.
- No, I'm within my rights.
You sit here...
The others, stand back. Back up, back up.
Hello, Porto Amélia!
Hello, Porto Amélia!
Mueda calling!
They've come here,
the claimants from Tanganyika!
They're here
at the Mueda Administrative Office
to demand independence
for Mozambique!
Their names are:
Faustino Vanomba,
Modesta,
Shibiliti,
and another time
Faustino Vanomba and Shibiliti came.
Hello, Porto Amélia,
call Lourenço Marques at once!
Stay away, stay there.
It's these people.
So ask them what they want.
- What do you want?
We want independence.
- They want independence.
What?
- They want independence.
Do they know what independence is?
- Do you know what independence is?
Yes, we do.
- They know what independence is.
Are you the president?
- Yes, I'm the president of MANU.
I've come in person because of the reports
I received from delegates who had come saying
the whites are being complicated and don't want
to give in. - He's in charge, he sent the people.
He's responsible for this group of people?
So ask him if a black can govern.
So a black like you can govern?
Yes, why not?
Don't they know
that this is an Overseas Province of Portugal?
Don't you know
that Mozambique is a Province of Portugal?
Mozambique belongs to us Mozambicans.
That's why we're requesting
to govern it ourselves.
They say that they know
Mozambique belongs to the Mozambicans.
Then tell them the matter they've mentioned
is very important.
We've received your message,
it has been registered.
So they need to present themselves
to the Governor of Cabo Delgado.
You'll have a meeting
with the Governor of the Cabo Delgado District
So he can listen
and closely monitor your problems.
So he can listen
and monitor your problems.
They must now return to their villages.
You must now return
to the villages where you're staying.
They must inform everyone
to come here next Thursday.
You should inform all the people
to come next Thursday.
Your claims have been heard
here by the administration.
Your problems are being considered.
I am the top leader.
- This one has a few words to say.
Don't treat me as you treated
the other delegates who came here.
Don't deceive them.
- Send them away!
Understood, understood. No problem.
Now write a message to Porto Amélia
requesting that the Governor
come here on the 16th.
See you on Thursday.
Was the conversation good?
- They told us to return on Thursday.
Go and tell all village chiefs
to attend next Thursday
and not to bring knives or metal tools.
They should bring goats and food
and the like, including their taxes.
The ones with no children
should bring a stone on their back.
On Thursday, early in the morning
everyone comes together. - Yes.
I forgot again.
- Forgot?
They should bring their "payment of tax" receipt.
- So what do you want? - Nothing.
Hold out your hands.
- Alas, woe is me!
Don't forget again, you hear?
He always does this,
it's always like this.
We had already warned you
to pay attention so you understand things.
See what happened?
You brought this upon yourself.
- Now, go!
You've seen
how deep the wound can get.
When is it going to heal?
You mustn't forget anything.
Did you see what happened to you?
Poor you!
Let me give you a massage.
Go away, go away.
You took a beating?
Let go of me.
Soldier!
- Ready!
You were beaten?
The way of the Mashemba, to assault!
Assault!
The way of the Mashemba, to assault!
Assault!
FREEDOM AND WORK
The way of the Mashemba, to assault!
Assault!
After the death of the whites in Mueda,
Nyerere became the governor there.
After the death of the whites in Mueda,
Nyerere became the governor there...
I am Ernesto. I was a Sepoy.
Ernesto Shipakali.
I used to be a Sepoy
for the administration of Mueda.
On June 16th
Faustino Vanomba
and Shibiliti Duane arrived.
They came
with the intention
of talking with the government.
Wherever we go, we have to win!
Wherever we go, we have to win!
After the death of the whites in Mueda,
Nyerere became the governor there.
After the death of the whites in Mueda,
Nyerere became the governor there...
Nyerere's ideas fly as if they were airplane.
The ideas of the natives
fly as if they were kites.
Nyerere's ideas fly as if they were airplane.
The ideas of the natives
fly as if they were kites.
After the death of whites in Mueda,
Nyerere became the Governor there...
Good morning.
- Good morning.
After the death of the whites in Mueda,
Nyerere became the governor there.
The ideas of the natives
fly as if they were kites.
The ideas of the natives...
Suddenly, two guys showed up.
We had already been informed...
- Then those two showed up...
After the death of the whites in Mueda,
Nyerere became the governor there.
After the death of the whites in Mueda,
Nyerere became the governor there...
He's a black called Julius Nyerere.
Yes, I remember very well
that there was a conference in Berlin
where we were talking about him.
Yeah, yeah...
He's that gentleman
who's feeding those blacks, right?
So they're the people with those tattoos?
Yes, they are!
And where do they cross?
They cross the Rovuma River.
They always arrive here.
It's easy for them to cross
the Rovuma River here
to go to Tanganyika or Mozambique.
Be quiet, the governor has arrived!
Bring the goats!
- Bring the goats!
It's a dangerous day...
They want independence
for this Overseas Province of Portugal.
To that end, they have
a political organization called MANU.
The party was founded one month ago.
So they're asking for freedom
for this Overseas Province of Portugal.
That's what they want.
But even so, we'll solve this in cold blood.
Yeah, yeah.
All right then, interpreter,
tell the sepoys to hoist the flag.
The governor needs to see
the raising of the flag.
Quick!
So I commanded the...
These blacks are executioners!
Yes, the blacks of this administration are...
Yes...
Tac-Tac Mandussi!
Tac-Tac Mandussi!
Tell the soldiers to prepare the flag.
We are going to hoist the flag. Understood?
- Understood.
Then go.
Heroes of the sea, noble people,
brave and immortal nation,
may the splendor of Portugal
rise again today!
Among the mists of memory,
o, homeland, feel the voice
of your great forefathers,
let them lead you to victory!
To arms, to arms!
Fight for the homeland!
Against the cannons, march, march!
Calm down, let's hoist the flag.
- We don't care!
Viva Portugal!
- Viva!
When a white man says, "Viva Portugal,"
you must respond "Viva,"
with your hand raised.
We haven't come for that,
we want our independence.
Calm, calm, calm!
Today we're gathered here,
it's a historic day.
This is an important day
to say something.
Two flags are being hoisted,
a white and a red one.
Two flags were hoisted
a red and a white one.
The white flag is for you.
And the red one for us whites.
The white flag below is for you blacks.
The red one above is for them, the whites.
That's funny!
Calm!
As of now, we're independent!
From now on, we're all independent!
All the people who are here in Mozambique
are Portuguese.
All the people who are in Mozambique
are white!
Calm, calm!
Now!
Mozambique is
an Overseas Province of Portugal!
All the people who are here in Mozambique
are Portuguese!
All the people who are in Mozambique
are white!
We don't want that!
We don't want that!
Settle down!
You guys are very stubborn!
Everyone calm down
so we understand each other.
When we're independent,
we'll have many buildings.
When we're independent,
we'll have many tall buildings!
Hospitals, schools and warehouses!
Paved roads!
We'll build roads,
hospitals, better houses,
schools and warehouses!
We never wanted any of that!
We want our independence!
We'll raise the prices of your products!
This isn't about increases!
We want independence!
After the death of the whites in Mueda,
Nyerere became the governor there.
After the death of the whites in Mueda,
Nyerere became the governor there...
Ask what he wants!
- What do you want?
We want independence.
- They want independence.
Ask if they know what independence is!
Do you know what independence is?
- I do, that's why I'm here.
He knows what independence is.
A black like that!
- A black like you knows what independence is?
Yes, yes, I know I'm black,
but I know that this country belongs to me.
What's he saying?
He's black, yes,
and he can handle governing.
Call the other one! Hurry!
- Tac-Tac Mandussi, call the other one!
Ask what they want!
What do you want?
- We want freedom!
He wants independence.
- Independence, the same thing?
We'd rather give independence to monkeys
than to these blacks.
When we found them here, they had tails.
We cut them off!
Independence, it's always the same...
It'd be preferable to give independence
to the monkeys than to these blacks.
We know we're not monkeys and don't have tails.
We're the people of Mozambique!
By governing and despising us
you treat us as if we were monkeys,
but we're not monkeys.
What are you saying?
We're not monkeys and have no tails.
And yes, the Portuguese are
fish that came from the sea.
Call the priest to baptize these people.
Kill them to show what monkeys they are!
Father!
Worthless men in frocks!
So baptize those blacks!
I want to baptize you.
- I don't want to be baptized.
You'll die right here. - Even if I die,
Mozambicans will govern this country.
What is he saying?
- He's refusing to be baptized.
Seize him, quick!
Tac-Tac Mandussi, seize him!
Even if they kill us,
we will govern!
Even if they seize us,
this won't end here!
Listen!
Settle down!
Your leaders were arrested.
The blacks who you're proud of
came from Tanzania and were arrested!
Tac-Tac Mandussi,
put those blacks in a car!
There were a lot of people.
They began to get angry.
When they got angry,
they called for the governor,
who came with his soldiers
who had been hiding below.
When they arrived here
the noise began.
The others threw stones at the governor
and everyone else who was on the porch.
After the governor fell, he got up again.
Then he ran inside
and told them to open fire.
Now...
Then Aspirant Godinho gave a signal.
After seeing the signal,
the soldiers came running out
from below and opened fire.
I also fired shots.
I don't know if they died.
They're all lying on top of each other.
People died that day.
Many people.
Our leaders will not be taken away!
A woman got run over!
Let's go!
Hello, Porto Amélia,
Mueda calling! Papa Tango...
We report yet another situation
and call Lourenço Marques immediately.
Papa Tango...
The Lord Governor
had already met
with the blacks here in Mueda.
And now
in the moment of the blacks' refusal
we had already committed
the massacre here in Mueda.
At that time,
I became a servant in the hospital.
I received the wounded.
After the massacre
people were treated, healed
and returned to their communities.
At that time, at the hospital
worked Dr Joaquim Santana de Quadro.
Collect the bodies!
This lady is heavy!
These women are adventurous!
- What should we do with this?
This one looks like Biti Nkalinga!
She's dead!
For the glory of giving life
for the people
so the people could live!
For the glory of giving life
for the people
so the people could live!
We accept suffering
and even death for the people!
We give our lives for the people!
We give our lives for the people!
We accept suffering
and even death for the people!
We give our lives for the people!
We give our lives for the people!
For glory, we surrendered our blood
with our people's deaths!
For glory, we surrendered our blood
with our people's deaths!
The Mozambican people,
after the humiliation
and constant exploitation
of Portuguese colonialism,
felt tired
and on June 16th, 1960
headed to the Mueda District
to request their human dignity.
Portuguese colonialism responded
with bullets.
Salazar's fascist government
without pain or shame
killed an unarmed man like this
and a woman like this
not recognizing our human dignity.
Innocent people!
Due to the fatigue
of the exploitation of man by man,
Mozambicans
felt obliged to demand their freedom
and human dignity.
Salazar's fascist government
replied with bullets!
The fact that our heroic brothers
were killed on June 16th,
1960 in Mueda
showed utter exhaustion
of the exploitation of man by man.
They defended their cause
at the risk of their lives.
We brothers
are the living example
that we shed our blood
for the fatherland and national freedom.
Today isn't a festive day
but a memory of moral sentiments.
Everyone feels the massacre
with full force, everyone united in progress!
The creation of a popular democracy!
The fight goes on!
- It goes on!
Viva FRELIMO!
- Viva!
Thanks!
When this day arrives
and the Massacre of Mueda is staged,
I'm not Tac-Tac Mandussi,
I just imitate what he did.
We were from the same neighborhood,
had the same ancestors,
were born at the same time
and had similar childhoods...
When we stage this play here,
those who see us laugh.
I try to act exactly as he did.
We're aware that they're laughing
at the attitudes
of the Portuguese colonizers.
We're aware
that they're laughing at the things
Portuguese people did to us
here in this country.
I conclude my remarks here.
Long live the united people!
Long live the united people!
Guitar, guitar...
Bullet, bullet...
Classroom, classroom...
Skin... skin.
The people's struggle is just!
The people's struggle is just!
The people's struggle is just!
Viva!
Viva!
Long live the united people!
After the death of the whites in Mueda,
Nyerere became the governor there.
After the death of the whites in Mueda,
Nyerere became the governor there.
Nyerere's ideas fly as if they were airplane.
The ideas of the natives
fly as if they were kites.
Nyerere's ideas fly as if they were airplane.
The ideas of the natives
fly as if they were kites.
Two years after the Massacre of Mueda,
on June 25th, 1962,
FRELIMO was formed.
On September 25, 1964,
the first shot was fired
against the Chai Administrative Office.
The armed struggle for liberation began.
We thank the people of Mueda,
the Provincial Government of Cabo Delgado
the F.P.L.M,
and the Federal Ministry of Culture.
It's a dangerous day,
it's a dangerous day...
The way of the Mashemba, to assault!
Assault!
Today will be the departure of whites!
Today something good, good!
Let us know something good!
Cast in order of appearance:
Today will be the departure of whites!
Testimonials:
Survivors of the massacre:
Today we don't know what will happen.
It's a dangerous day,
it's a dangerous day...
Editing: Ruy Guerra
Photography:
Ruy Guerra, Fernando Silva
The people's struggle is just!
Executive production:
Jacques Schwarzstein, Camilo de Sousa
The people's struggle is just!
Directed by
Ruy Guerra
That means the people's struggle is just!
We know that it is.
Our struggle is just!
Do you understand?
The people's struggle is just!
What does it mean?
Production by
Instituto Nacional de Cinema, 1979
People's Republic of Mozambique.
Union of People's Friendship
and Film Culture, Tashkent (USSR) 1980
June 16th
Some men had started
discussions with the authorities
asking for freedom and better pay.
While the population supported the leaders
the authorities sent the police to invite everyone
in the villages for a meeting in Mueda.
Several thousands of people came.
Meanwhile, the administrator asked
the state governor of Cabo Delgado
to come with a group of troops
but these troops stayed in hiding.
We could not see them.
On the appointed date
and after talking about what
the peanut trade would be like that year
the governor asked the crowd
who would like to speak.
There were many candidates
so the governor asked them
to make a separate group.
So, without further ado
he ordered the police
to arrest those people in the group.
The police started beating them up.
I was nearby, I saw everything.
When the others saw what was going on
they started demonstrating against colonialists.
In the meantime, they put the prisoners,
with their hands tied, into police trucks.
The crowd protested
and got closer to the police
to prevent them from taking the prisoners.
So, the governor called the troops
and told them to shoot.
They killed around 600 people
on the June 16th, 1960.
"A Survivor."
Origins of the Mozambican people...
When the Portuguese arrived in Mozambique
in the year 1498
they found
a chief,
an Arab
named
Mussa Al Mbique
on the Island of Mozambique.
Bantu
is the name
of the large group
of languages
that we speak.
The first inhabitants
of Southern Africa
including
Mozambicans
were
Khoisans,
people
of small stature.
They were nomads.
After the Khoisans
came
the Hottentot
people
who were rather
advanced
in social life.
The Khoisans
fled
to the Kalahari Desert
where they still are today.
Let's read...
MUEDA: MEMORY AND MASSACRE
Every year, on the day of the massacre,
the "Mueda Drama" is staged.
The play takes place at the location
where the actual event took place,
featuring actors and audience members
who witnessed the historic tragedy
making it more lively and active.
This film, based on this popular memory,
is dedicated to all the Mozambican people.
Viva FRELIMO!
Viva!
Viva FRELIMO!
Viva!
May you all feel welcome!
- We do!
Ladies and gentlemen,
we now want to talk to you
about that event
in memory of the Massacre of Mueda,
which occurred here in 1960.
We request that you remain orderly and alert
until the start of the shooting.
Every person who is stopped
should maintain a good posture
and behave orderly.
Because we're now independent.
This is no time to open your mouth
without thinking or to be careless.
Otherwise people out there
could laugh at you.
Avoid scratching yourselves
and giving us a bad image.
This film will be shown in Europe
and the rest of the world.
So it'd be good if each of you
would maintain a good posture.
Maintain silence and a good posture
so that those who see you can say
"Yes, sir, that person knows how to behave."
While we're acting,
they'll begin to shoot.
Once they start shooting,
we'll all back up a bit.
But don't go back home.
It's just a matter of taking
a few steps back.
You shouldn't suddenly exit.
That wouldn't be good.
In short, I'd like to request you,
my colleagues, to maintain a good posture.
As I've said,
this film will go as far as Europe.
Viva FRELIMO!
- Viva!
So...
let's make room
for the filming to begin
before the sun shines down
where there's now shade.
Viva FRELIMO!
- Viva!
Everything fine?
Everything's fine.
Where are you from?
- From Tanganyika.
Where are you going?
- To talk to the whites.
And what will you say?
- I'll talk to the whites.
I'll first inform them
and then come and talk to you.
But I'll speak with the whites.
Please...
Excuse me!
There's someone outside.
Where is he from?
- He says he's from Tanganyika.
From Tanganyika?
- Yes.
So tell him I want to meet him.
Uncle! Come here, quick.
You, quick, without delay.
Where are you from?
- From Tanganyika.
What are your intentions?
- I've come to talk to the whites inside.
You've got a mouth to talk to whites?
- I can talk to whites.
Don't you know that you're black?
- I know I'm black.
Tell it to me. I'm white.
I'm already enough.
First I have to tell them.
Then I'll tell you.
Tell me!
- I know you're white, I'll tell you.
I already told you
not to move your arms when you talk.
Tac-Tac Mandussi, make him wait here
while I go and tell the whites.
Come.
So what happened?
There's someone here, but he's black.
He wants to talk to the Lord Administrator.
He's black like you?
I'm white.
- You're white? - Yes, sir.
He's from Tanganyika, right?
- Yes.
Tell him to enter.
To enter!
- Yes.
Tac-Tac Mandussi!
Hello. Come here.
Come on, hurry.
Go ahead, then.
Here's the black.
Ask him why he came here.
Why are you here?
- To ask for independence.
He came to ask for independence.
Does he know who created Mozambique?
Do you know who built Mozambique?
I know. It was us,
the Mozambican people.
He knows.
It was the Mozambicans themselves
who created Mozambique.
Doesn't he know that it was us,
the Portuguese, who created Mozambique?
You don't know that it was us,
the whites, who created Mozambique?
It belongs to us, you didn't create it.
It existed when you arrived by boat.
He's saying
that the Portuguese are fish
who came from the sea.
I can't...
It was us who cut off their tails!
It was us whites who cut off your tails.
You were monkeys.
We were never monkeys.
You're fish that came by boat.
Ask if he can discuss
the problems with me.
You're so black.
You can talk to this white?
Yes, I talk to him
because he's on my land.
He can talk... - No, he can't!
Send him back to Tanganyika!
Send him back
to where he came from...Tanganyika!
Take him back to where he came from.
I'm Faustino Vanomba.
I work at the Inhambane post office.
I am 56 years old.
At that time I left Mozambique
and headed towards Tanganyika.
What led me to Tanganyika
were Mozambique's low salaries.
In Tanganyika there was work
and it was paid well.
I lived in Dar es Salaam
for twelve years.
After Tanganyika's government
achieved independence
I asked the Government of Tanzania
the permission
to go and ask the people in Mozambique
why it was not independent yet.
At that point, I was still alone
and left for Mozambique
on February 2nd, 1959.
I contacted people asking
why they weren't requesting independence.
People said
they didn't request it out of fear.
I asked: "If someone else
requests independence, will you follow him?"
The Mozambican people said yes
that they'd follow someone
to free the country.
I went to talk to the administrator of Mueda.
But he sent me back to Tanganyika.
I was accompanied to Newala.
In Newala,
I caught a flight to Dar es Salaam.
Once in Dar es Salaam
many people approached me
and asked what I had said in Mozambique.
I called together a meeting
and explained to the MANU members
what had happened.
Ah, Macímboa da Praia!
Hello, Macímboa da Praia!
Mueda calling!
I request that you inform Vitor Golpe
to bring 57 chickens
and 80 eggs for the administrator.
Secondly, we ask you to send
100 blacks for the cleaning work
around the house of the Lord Administrator.
Hello, Macímboa da Praia!
Mueda calling!
Hear that?
Macímboa da Praia!
Hello, Macímboa da Praia!
Mueda calling!
I request that you inform Vitor Golpe
to bring 57 chickens
and 80 eggs for the administrator.
Secondly, we ask you to send
100 blacks for the cleaning work
around the house of the Lord Administrator...
These are your documents?
Where are you from?
This guy fled to Tanganyika.
- The stamp is from Tanganyika.
Take off your hat.
He's from Tanganyika, right?
- Yes.
How dare you leave Tanganyika and come here?
- I'm not from Tanganyika.
I'm from the Catholic mission.
- Mission?
So what is this?
Where did you get that shirt?
- The shirt is from Tanganyika.
Tie him up and take him inside.
You guys take that man inside fast.
The war began
with the arrival of Tiago from Tanganyika.
When he came,
he encountered the Portuguese.
He said:
"You've governed here for a long time.
Time to go back to your own land."
The Portuguese said:
"Where did that crazy person come from?
This guy is saying crazy stuff."
But we didn't know
that Tiago belonged to another party: MANU.
We only said that he was doing a good thing.
That's when the Portuguese called Ernesto
and told him to accompany Tiago to his country.
So Ernesto took Tiago to Newala.
After Ernesto's return
came Zacarias Vanomba,
who also intended to expel the Portuguese.
He said: "You've governed for a long time.
Now we want to govern our own country."
The Portuguese believed
that he should be expelled.
Good morning. - Where are you going?
- To the administration.
Excuse me, excuse me.
How are you, uncle?
- I'm fine.
Where are you going?
- To the administration.
To do what?
To meet with the whites.
- To do what?
We're going to talk to the whites.
And say what?
It's none of your business.
- You'll know when we're inside.
Is that your wife?
- No, she's my co-worker.
What's your name?
- Tiago Mula.
And you?
- I'm Modesta.
The guy ran off with a bike.
- That was your fault! You were sleeping!
But you don't know what cassava is?
You've never seen cassava?
What's going on?
- I didn't come here to talk to you.
Where are these people going?
- I don't want to talk to you.
Why are you carrying a cassava?
Aren't you Mozambicans?
Don't you know what a cassava is?
I don't want to talk to you.
Careful, she's unlucky.
Me, unlucky? No, you're unlucky.
You'll certainly end up alone,
these whites will leave you here.
Are these the people?
- Yes, they are.
Where are you coming?
- From Tanganyika.
From Tanganyika?
Is that your wife?
- No, she's my colleague.
Is this your husband?
- No, he's my co-worker.
Women work?
- Yeah, why shouldn't they?
Tac-Tac Mandussi,
take these people over there.
What's going on?
Two people from Tanganyika have come.
Are they white?
- No.
Are they black?
- They're black.
Two blacks, right?
What do they want?
They say they want to talk
to the Lord Administrator.
Send them in.
Tac-Tac Mandussi!
Yes?
Come in!
Is the problem the hat or we, the people?
Don't touch the table of whites.
This is them.
So ask what they want.
You from Tanganyika, what do you want?
- We want independence.
They want independence.
- What?
They want independence.
- Do they know what independence is?
Do you know what independence is?
- Yes, we do!
That's why we're here!
They know what independence is.
Ask if they know who created Mozambique.
Do you know who created Mozambique?
Yes, we do. Mozambique is ours.
We blacks are the owners of this country.
They think blacks can talk
with whites like me?
You think blacks can talk with whites?
We'll say our opinion
even if it's to a white.
Yes, they can.
What?
Don't they know
it was us whites who cut off their tails?
Don't you know you were monkeys
and we whites cut off your tails?
Not at all. We're not monkeys.
- We're on our land. We're not foreigners.
You're fish because you came by boat.
So we want our independence.
Is this your wife?
No, I'm a co-worker.
- A co-worker? Women work?
Of course women work.
Both of them are workers.
What's that?
It's cassava. We brought cassava
for you to plant in your country.
To sustain you!
- A gift? Arrest them!
These people have come to insult us!
You can arrest us,
but you'll return to your land.
This land isn't yours!
You can arrest us
but this land belongs to us.
You don't have land here. Sooner or later
you'll return to your own land.
Look at you! Shame on you!
The whites will leave
and you'll stay here because it's your land.
Get out of here! Don't touch me!
Send the car immediately!
Send them to Porto Amélia!
This country is ours. You will leave!
We'll stay here because this is our land.
And you stink!
Get out! Bunch of scoundrels!
You're being used as a doormat!
You can arrest me, but I'm on my land!
Shame on you!
Shut up! You stink!
Shame on you!
Who is this?
- This is the chief.
So how are you, my friend?
- Alright.
And at home?
- Everything's fine.
I wanted to come two days ago,
but it got too late.
That's fine, no problem.
Wait for me here.
The chief has arrived.
Everything fine with you?
- Yes.
Have you brought chickens?
- No, I haven't.
Why?
- Hyenas ate them.
In all of the village, no one has chickens?
- No, they don't.
Look, are you telling the truth?
- Yes.
OK. Wait right there.
My friend, these whites are asking too much.
- For sure.
The chief has come.
So has he brought the chickens?
- He hasn't brought anything.
Then ask him to bring them.
Hello, Porto Amélia!
Call at once!
Call Lourenço Marques at once!
We want to inform you
that blood has begun to spill here in Mueda!
This is the black.
So ask where the chickens are.
Where are the chickens?
- I don't have any.
He says he has no chickens.
- Say it again.
There are none!
- You don't have any chickens?
Is he kidding the authorities?
Are you kidding the authorities?
- I'm not kidding, the chickens died.
He's not kidding.
All the chickens have died.
So beat his palms 50 times.
Come on, come on.
Hello, Macomia, Macomia!
Mueda calling!
Hello, Macomia, Mueda calling!
Alas, woe is me!
Alas, woe is me!
Beat that guy!
He refused to give me a drink in his house!
He refused to give me a drink in his house!
- He has to learn!
On top of that,
he didn't bring any chickens.
Oh mother!
Mom, I'm dying because of chickens!
My job is to cultivate.
My second job...
My second job is
to receive government orders
in order to provide the necessary support
for the population.
I'm the Social Affairs Commissioner...
...in Lilondo.
The war started
because we're demanding our land.
First Tiago came to Mueda.
He spoke to the Portuguese,
but was chased away and is gone.
A Sepoy was sent to accompany him out.
He was sent away.
And in fact, he was accompanied
to the Rovuma River.
The next morning
Faustino Vanomba appeared.
He also reached Mueda
and he said:
"I've come to demand our land."
He was alone.
He too was sent away.
Shortly after that, Shibiliti came
with a woman.
Excuse me, excuse me.
- Welcome.
How are you, uncle?
- I'm fine.
Here again, uncle? - Yes, now I've come
with our top leader, this gentleman.
So you're in charge of these people?
- Yes, I am, or rather, we are.
You'll get into trouble.
- No, I'm within my rights.
You sit here...
The others, stand back. Back up, back up.
Hello, Porto Amélia!
Hello, Porto Amélia!
Mueda calling!
They've come here,
the claimants from Tanganyika!
They're here
at the Mueda Administrative Office
to demand independence
for Mozambique!
Their names are:
Faustino Vanomba,
Modesta,
Shibiliti,
and another time
Faustino Vanomba and Shibiliti came.
Hello, Porto Amélia,
call Lourenço Marques at once!
Stay away, stay there.
It's these people.
So ask them what they want.
- What do you want?
We want independence.
- They want independence.
What?
- They want independence.
Do they know what independence is?
- Do you know what independence is?
Yes, we do.
- They know what independence is.
Are you the president?
- Yes, I'm the president of MANU.
I've come in person because of the reports
I received from delegates who had come saying
the whites are being complicated and don't want
to give in. - He's in charge, he sent the people.
He's responsible for this group of people?
So ask him if a black can govern.
So a black like you can govern?
Yes, why not?
Don't they know
that this is an Overseas Province of Portugal?
Don't you know
that Mozambique is a Province of Portugal?
Mozambique belongs to us Mozambicans.
That's why we're requesting
to govern it ourselves.
They say that they know
Mozambique belongs to the Mozambicans.
Then tell them the matter they've mentioned
is very important.
We've received your message,
it has been registered.
So they need to present themselves
to the Governor of Cabo Delgado.
You'll have a meeting
with the Governor of the Cabo Delgado District
So he can listen
and closely monitor your problems.
So he can listen
and monitor your problems.
They must now return to their villages.
You must now return
to the villages where you're staying.
They must inform everyone
to come here next Thursday.
You should inform all the people
to come next Thursday.
Your claims have been heard
here by the administration.
Your problems are being considered.
I am the top leader.
- This one has a few words to say.
Don't treat me as you treated
the other delegates who came here.
Don't deceive them.
- Send them away!
Understood, understood. No problem.
Now write a message to Porto Amélia
requesting that the Governor
come here on the 16th.
See you on Thursday.
Was the conversation good?
- They told us to return on Thursday.
Go and tell all village chiefs
to attend next Thursday
and not to bring knives or metal tools.
They should bring goats and food
and the like, including their taxes.
The ones with no children
should bring a stone on their back.
On Thursday, early in the morning
everyone comes together. - Yes.
I forgot again.
- Forgot?
They should bring their "payment of tax" receipt.
- So what do you want? - Nothing.
Hold out your hands.
- Alas, woe is me!
Don't forget again, you hear?
He always does this,
it's always like this.
We had already warned you
to pay attention so you understand things.
See what happened?
You brought this upon yourself.
- Now, go!
You've seen
how deep the wound can get.
When is it going to heal?
You mustn't forget anything.
Did you see what happened to you?
Poor you!
Let me give you a massage.
Go away, go away.
You took a beating?
Let go of me.
Soldier!
- Ready!
You were beaten?
The way of the Mashemba, to assault!
Assault!
The way of the Mashemba, to assault!
Assault!
FREEDOM AND WORK
The way of the Mashemba, to assault!
Assault!
After the death of the whites in Mueda,
Nyerere became the governor there.
After the death of the whites in Mueda,
Nyerere became the governor there...
I am Ernesto. I was a Sepoy.
Ernesto Shipakali.
I used to be a Sepoy
for the administration of Mueda.
On June 16th
Faustino Vanomba
and Shibiliti Duane arrived.
They came
with the intention
of talking with the government.
Wherever we go, we have to win!
Wherever we go, we have to win!
After the death of the whites in Mueda,
Nyerere became the governor there.
After the death of the whites in Mueda,
Nyerere became the governor there...
Nyerere's ideas fly as if they were airplane.
The ideas of the natives
fly as if they were kites.
Nyerere's ideas fly as if they were airplane.
The ideas of the natives
fly as if they were kites.
After the death of whites in Mueda,
Nyerere became the Governor there...
Good morning.
- Good morning.
After the death of the whites in Mueda,
Nyerere became the governor there.
The ideas of the natives
fly as if they were kites.
The ideas of the natives...
Suddenly, two guys showed up.
We had already been informed...
- Then those two showed up...
After the death of the whites in Mueda,
Nyerere became the governor there.
After the death of the whites in Mueda,
Nyerere became the governor there...
He's a black called Julius Nyerere.
Yes, I remember very well
that there was a conference in Berlin
where we were talking about him.
Yeah, yeah...
He's that gentleman
who's feeding those blacks, right?
So they're the people with those tattoos?
Yes, they are!
And where do they cross?
They cross the Rovuma River.
They always arrive here.
It's easy for them to cross
the Rovuma River here
to go to Tanganyika or Mozambique.
Be quiet, the governor has arrived!
Bring the goats!
- Bring the goats!
It's a dangerous day...
They want independence
for this Overseas Province of Portugal.
To that end, they have
a political organization called MANU.
The party was founded one month ago.
So they're asking for freedom
for this Overseas Province of Portugal.
That's what they want.
But even so, we'll solve this in cold blood.
Yeah, yeah.
All right then, interpreter,
tell the sepoys to hoist the flag.
The governor needs to see
the raising of the flag.
Quick!
So I commanded the...
These blacks are executioners!
Yes, the blacks of this administration are...
Yes...
Tac-Tac Mandussi!
Tac-Tac Mandussi!
Tell the soldiers to prepare the flag.
We are going to hoist the flag. Understood?
- Understood.
Then go.
Heroes of the sea, noble people,
brave and immortal nation,
may the splendor of Portugal
rise again today!
Among the mists of memory,
o, homeland, feel the voice
of your great forefathers,
let them lead you to victory!
To arms, to arms!
Fight for the homeland!
Against the cannons, march, march!
Calm down, let's hoist the flag.
- We don't care!
Viva Portugal!
- Viva!
When a white man says, "Viva Portugal,"
you must respond "Viva,"
with your hand raised.
We haven't come for that,
we want our independence.
Calm, calm, calm!
Today we're gathered here,
it's a historic day.
This is an important day
to say something.
Two flags are being hoisted,
a white and a red one.
Two flags were hoisted
a red and a white one.
The white flag is for you.
And the red one for us whites.
The white flag below is for you blacks.
The red one above is for them, the whites.
That's funny!
Calm!
As of now, we're independent!
From now on, we're all independent!
All the people who are here in Mozambique
are Portuguese.
All the people who are in Mozambique
are white!
Calm, calm!
Now!
Mozambique is
an Overseas Province of Portugal!
All the people who are here in Mozambique
are Portuguese!
All the people who are in Mozambique
are white!
We don't want that!
We don't want that!
Settle down!
You guys are very stubborn!
Everyone calm down
so we understand each other.
When we're independent,
we'll have many buildings.
When we're independent,
we'll have many tall buildings!
Hospitals, schools and warehouses!
Paved roads!
We'll build roads,
hospitals, better houses,
schools and warehouses!
We never wanted any of that!
We want our independence!
We'll raise the prices of your products!
This isn't about increases!
We want independence!
After the death of the whites in Mueda,
Nyerere became the governor there.
After the death of the whites in Mueda,
Nyerere became the governor there...
Ask what he wants!
- What do you want?
We want independence.
- They want independence.
Ask if they know what independence is!
Do you know what independence is?
- I do, that's why I'm here.
He knows what independence is.
A black like that!
- A black like you knows what independence is?
Yes, yes, I know I'm black,
but I know that this country belongs to me.
What's he saying?
He's black, yes,
and he can handle governing.
Call the other one! Hurry!
- Tac-Tac Mandussi, call the other one!
Ask what they want!
What do you want?
- We want freedom!
He wants independence.
- Independence, the same thing?
We'd rather give independence to monkeys
than to these blacks.
When we found them here, they had tails.
We cut them off!
Independence, it's always the same...
It'd be preferable to give independence
to the monkeys than to these blacks.
We know we're not monkeys and don't have tails.
We're the people of Mozambique!
By governing and despising us
you treat us as if we were monkeys,
but we're not monkeys.
What are you saying?
We're not monkeys and have no tails.
And yes, the Portuguese are
fish that came from the sea.
Call the priest to baptize these people.
Kill them to show what monkeys they are!
Father!
Worthless men in frocks!
So baptize those blacks!
I want to baptize you.
- I don't want to be baptized.
You'll die right here. - Even if I die,
Mozambicans will govern this country.
What is he saying?
- He's refusing to be baptized.
Seize him, quick!
Tac-Tac Mandussi, seize him!
Even if they kill us,
we will govern!
Even if they seize us,
this won't end here!
Listen!
Settle down!
Your leaders were arrested.
The blacks who you're proud of
came from Tanzania and were arrested!
Tac-Tac Mandussi,
put those blacks in a car!
There were a lot of people.
They began to get angry.
When they got angry,
they called for the governor,
who came with his soldiers
who had been hiding below.
When they arrived here
the noise began.
The others threw stones at the governor
and everyone else who was on the porch.
After the governor fell, he got up again.
Then he ran inside
and told them to open fire.
Now...
Then Aspirant Godinho gave a signal.
After seeing the signal,
the soldiers came running out
from below and opened fire.
I also fired shots.
I don't know if they died.
They're all lying on top of each other.
People died that day.
Many people.
Our leaders will not be taken away!
A woman got run over!
Let's go!
Hello, Porto Amélia,
Mueda calling! Papa Tango...
We report yet another situation
and call Lourenço Marques immediately.
Papa Tango...
The Lord Governor
had already met
with the blacks here in Mueda.
And now
in the moment of the blacks' refusal
we had already committed
the massacre here in Mueda.
At that time,
I became a servant in the hospital.
I received the wounded.
After the massacre
people were treated, healed
and returned to their communities.
At that time, at the hospital
worked Dr Joaquim Santana de Quadro.
Collect the bodies!
This lady is heavy!
These women are adventurous!
- What should we do with this?
This one looks like Biti Nkalinga!
She's dead!
For the glory of giving life
for the people
so the people could live!
For the glory of giving life
for the people
so the people could live!
We accept suffering
and even death for the people!
We give our lives for the people!
We give our lives for the people!
We accept suffering
and even death for the people!
We give our lives for the people!
We give our lives for the people!
For glory, we surrendered our blood
with our people's deaths!
For glory, we surrendered our blood
with our people's deaths!
The Mozambican people,
after the humiliation
and constant exploitation
of Portuguese colonialism,
felt tired
and on June 16th, 1960
headed to the Mueda District
to request their human dignity.
Portuguese colonialism responded
with bullets.
Salazar's fascist government
without pain or shame
killed an unarmed man like this
and a woman like this
not recognizing our human dignity.
Innocent people!
Due to the fatigue
of the exploitation of man by man,
Mozambicans
felt obliged to demand their freedom
and human dignity.
Salazar's fascist government
replied with bullets!
The fact that our heroic brothers
were killed on June 16th,
1960 in Mueda
showed utter exhaustion
of the exploitation of man by man.
They defended their cause
at the risk of their lives.
We brothers
are the living example
that we shed our blood
for the fatherland and national freedom.
Today isn't a festive day
but a memory of moral sentiments.
Everyone feels the massacre
with full force, everyone united in progress!
The creation of a popular democracy!
The fight goes on!
- It goes on!
Viva FRELIMO!
- Viva!
Thanks!
When this day arrives
and the Massacre of Mueda is staged,
I'm not Tac-Tac Mandussi,
I just imitate what he did.
We were from the same neighborhood,
had the same ancestors,
were born at the same time
and had similar childhoods...
When we stage this play here,
those who see us laugh.
I try to act exactly as he did.
We're aware that they're laughing
at the attitudes
of the Portuguese colonizers.
We're aware
that they're laughing at the things
Portuguese people did to us
here in this country.
I conclude my remarks here.
Long live the united people!
Long live the united people!
Guitar, guitar...
Bullet, bullet...
Classroom, classroom...
Skin... skin.
The people's struggle is just!
The people's struggle is just!
The people's struggle is just!
Viva!
Viva!
Long live the united people!
After the death of the whites in Mueda,
Nyerere became the governor there.
After the death of the whites in Mueda,
Nyerere became the governor there.
Nyerere's ideas fly as if they were airplane.
The ideas of the natives
fly as if they were kites.
Nyerere's ideas fly as if they were airplane.
The ideas of the natives
fly as if they were kites.
Two years after the Massacre of Mueda,
on June 25th, 1962,
FRELIMO was formed.
On September 25, 1964,
the first shot was fired
against the Chai Administrative Office.
The armed struggle for liberation began.
We thank the people of Mueda,
the Provincial Government of Cabo Delgado
the F.P.L.M,
and the Federal Ministry of Culture.
It's a dangerous day,
it's a dangerous day...
The way of the Mashemba, to assault!
Assault!
Today will be the departure of whites!
Today something good, good!
Let us know something good!
Cast in order of appearance:
Today will be the departure of whites!
Testimonials:
Survivors of the massacre:
Today we don't know what will happen.
It's a dangerous day,
it's a dangerous day...
Editing: Ruy Guerra
Photography:
Ruy Guerra, Fernando Silva
The people's struggle is just!
Executive production:
Jacques Schwarzstein, Camilo de Sousa
The people's struggle is just!
Directed by
Ruy Guerra
That means the people's struggle is just!
We know that it is.
Our struggle is just!
Do you understand?
The people's struggle is just!
What does it mean?
Production by
Instituto Nacional de Cinema, 1979
People's Republic of Mozambique.