Inxeba (The Wound) (2017)

Inxeba (The Wound) is a South African drama film released in 2017. The film explores the Xhosa tradition of Ulwaluko, a rite of passage for young men in the Xhosa community. The story follows Xolani, a lonely factory worker who is also a caregiver to young initiates during the Ulwaluko initiation. Xolani is tasked with taking care of Kwanda, a city boy who is initiated into the Xhosa culture. As Xolani and Kwanda spend time together, they form a bond that leads to a forbidden love affair. The film explores themes of masculinity, tradition, and homosexuality in modern-day South Africa.

Review:

Inxeba (The Wound) is a beautifully shot and powerful film that tackles complex themes with sensitivity and depth. The performances from the cast are outstanding, especially Nakhane Touré as Xolani and Bongile Mantsai as Vija. The film is visually stunning, with breathtaking cinematography that captures the harsh beauty of the South African landscape. Director John Trengove handles the material with care and skill, creating a film that is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant. However, the film has been highly controversial in South Africa, with some critics accusing it of cultural appropriation and disrespecting Xhosa traditions.

Awards:

Inxeba (The Wound) has won numerous awards, including:

• Best Director at the Durban International Film Festival
• Best Feature Film at the Sydney Film Festival
• Grand Jury Prize at the Outfest Los Angeles LGBT Film Festival
• Best Film at the Oslo/Fusion International Film Festival
• Best Film in the International Narrative Feature category at the Toronto Inside Out LGBT Film Festival

Despite its critical acclaim, the film faced censorship and protests in South Africa and was temporarily banned by the South African Film and Publications Board.