Jit (film)

Jit
Directed byMichael Raeburn
Written byMichael Raeburn
Produced byRory Kilalea
StarringDominic Makuvachuma, Sibongile Nene, Oliver Mtukudzi
CinematographyJoao Funcho Costa
Edited byJustin Krish
Music byBhundu Boys, Thomas Mapfumo, Ilanga, Lovemore Majaivana, Oliver Mtukudzi
Production
companies
FilmAfrica/Gavin Films, London
Distributed byLes Films de l'Atalante, Northern Arts Entertainment
Release date
  • 1990 (1990) (Zimbabwe)
Running time
98 minutes
CountryZimbabwe
LanguageEnglish

Jit is a Zimbabwean film made in 1990, written and directed by Michael Raeburn.

Much of the film is set in the beer garden at the Queens Hotel in Harare, which at the time was the epicenter of the style of popular Zimbabwean dance music called jit, also known as jit-jive, from which the movie takes its name. Certain aspects of the film satirize Shona beliefs, including the jukwa's incessant craving for beer. Jit was the first Zimbabwean feature film to attract international attention and be enthusiastically received by local audiences. Upon its release the film played to full houses for two months. According to Raeburn, the film "explores the conflict between rural and urban life and it celebrates determination."