Mario Macilau, Mozambique

The Zionist (The Zionist Church Movement in Mozambique)

The Zionist (the Church Movement in Mozambique) is a documentary that portrays the traditional religious heritage of the country that still preserves some ancient traditions in the south. The Christian movement aside, the traditional African religions involve teachings, practices and rituals that are a part of the structure of native societies in Africa. They reflect local conceptions of God and the cosmos. Even within the same community there may be small differences in the perception of the supernatural. These religions were not significantly altered by the more recently adopted religions -- Christianity, Islam, Judaism and others. It is estimated that about 100 million people throughout Africa follow these religions.

They believe in the importance of nature, as a space created by God. So places like a beach have an enormous significance and is an ideal place to get in touch with God, to have water baptisms, to sacrifice and shed the blood of animals.

The Zionists of the Church Movement in Mozambique are recognised followers of a religion that cures many diseases, weaknesses, psychological and spiritual problems Natural ingredients and various symbols are used in their traditional religious ceremonies. Rituals to invoke the spirits, the ancestors and the practice of traditional medicine are part of this movement.

The Zionists Church movement has many followers especially in rural areas where the access to public hospitals is limited. Men and women follow this religion in search of good fortune in love, to get a good job, solve health and school problems. Recently the government and more particularly the Ministry of Health have approved the creation of the first Institute for Traditional Medicine. With the creation of this institute, the government doesn’t want to control or regulate traditional medicine, but wants to seek ways of promoting it and for it to be more valued.