The Wound

Directed by John Trengove

The Wound is an exploration of tradition and sexuality set amid South Africa’s Xhosa culture. Every year the tribe’s young men participate in an ancient coming-of-age ritual. Xolani, a quiet and sensitive factory worker is assigned to guide Kwanda, a city boy from Johannesburg through this rite of passage. As Kwanda defiantly negotiates his queer identity within this masculine environment, he quickly recognises 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.

The Wound screens on general release from Fri 27 April.

Duration:
88 minutes

Translated title:
Inxeba

Languages:
Afrikaans and English

Subtitles:
Partial English

Country of origin:
France, Germany, Netherlands and Zambia

Year of production:
2017