TUE, JAN 23, 9p:
Miami Premiere!
Academy Award Short List
Best Foreign Language Film!
THE WOUND
Directed by JOHN TRENGROVE/South Africa/2017/89mins.
With Nakhane Touré, Bongile Mantsai, Niza Jay Ncoyini
The Wound is an exploration of tradition and sexuality set amid South Africa's Xhosa culture. Every year, the tribe's young men are brought to the mountains of the Eastern Cape to participate in an ancient coming-of-age ritual. Xolani, a quiet and sensitive factory worker (played by openly gay musician Nakhane Touré), is assigned to guide Kwanda, a city boy from Johannesburg sent by his father to be toughened up, through this rite of passage into manhood. As Kwanda defiantly negotiates his queer identity within this masculine environment, he quickly recognizes the nature of Xolani's relationship with fellow guide Vija. The three men commence a dangerous dance with each other and their own desires and, soon, the threat of exposure elevates the tension to breaking point. (In Xhosa with English subtitles).
Winner: Outstanding First Feature - Frameline 2017
Official Selection: Sundance, World Dramatic Competition 2017
New Directors / New Films 2017
OutFest 2017, Berlinale - Opening Night, Panorama - 2017
"A potent drama of sexual identity and divided loyalty.
Powerful. Affecting and suspenseful."-A. O. Scott, The New York Times
"A milestone in South African cinema"-Guy Lodge, Variety
"Takes real chances. Strong performances are fueled by the wild beauty of the rural setting."-Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter