It’s all too easy to turn a blind eye to Africa’s troubles. It’s a continent blighted by war, famine and corruption, and for many of its countries, resolution seems unobtainable. But bold documentaries like Mugabe and the White African are instrumental in helping to maintain a crucial perspective.

The film tells the story of 74-year-old Michael Campbell who’s one of only a few white farmers still left in Zimbabwe following President Robert Mugabe’s land seizure program, an initiative intended to reclaim white-owned land and redistribute it to black Zimbabweans. Shot during the controversial 2008 elections, it follows Mike and his son-in-law Ben Freeth’s arduous journey as they attempt to take Mugabe to an international court for racism and violation of their human rights.

“This film is perhaps the only insight the outside world has of what is going on inside Zimbabwe,” says Andrew Thompson who directed the documentary alongside Lucy Bailey. “It’s not just about the white commercial farms in southern Africa – we made it because of the discrimination, Mugabe’s rule of law and the fundamental contravention of human rights. These principles are universal.”

Mugabe and the White African is a harrowing experience. Mugabe’s cronies treat Mike, his family and the 500 workers on their farm with real contempt. Many are savagely beaten and the journey to court is littered with obstacles. But throughout, Mike and Ben maintain an unflinching equanimity and an awe-inspiring belief in what they feel is right.

Lucy and Andrew heard about their story while working in South Africa and then tracked them down with the view to tell their story. “They were very keen to make the film,” says Lucy, “Ben said to us that publicity was the soul of justice and they felt that if nasty stuff was going to happen to them, that it may as well be in the public eye and that people would really know what was going on inside Zimbabwe.”

Much of the film had to be shot covertly due to Mugabe’s dictatorial control and the directors had a good few close calls.

“We didn’t make life easy for ourselves by taking in a large format camera and proper sound gear,” says Andrew. “It was important for us as filmmakers to make a film suitable for cinema but this had implications because we were smuggling heavy, large and very expensive camera equipment in and out of Zimbabwe. Lucy and I have worked in neighbouring countries and knew people who would help us get in and over the borders. But there were a few moments when we had to run. We’ve filmed all over the world in hostile environments and I haven’t filmed anywhere that’s felt quite as intimidating as Zimbabwe.”

The film is already winning awards and there are rumours that Mugabe’s government is aware if its existence. Let’s hope the bravery of the filmmakers and their subjects will help inspire positive change.

Mugabe and the White African is released in the UK today, 8 January 2010.