Xolani, a lonely factory worker, joins the men of his community in the mountains of the Eastern Cape to initiate a group of teenage boys into manhood.

When a defiant initiate from the city discovers his best kept secret, Xolani’s entire existence begins to unravel.

directed by

John Trengove

written by

John Trengove, Thando Mgqolozana, Malusi Bengu

Starring

Nakhane, Niza Jay, Bongile Mantsai

released

2017

In coproduction with

RIVA Filmproduktion, Das Kleine Fernsehspiel, ARTE/ZDF, Oak Motion Pictures, Cool Take Pictures, Deuxième Ligne Films, Sampek Productions, Edition Salzgeber, Fig Jam Entertainment

Awards

BFI London Film Festival 2017
Sutherland Award for Best First Feature

MOOOV Film Festival 2017
Special Mention

Durban International Film Festival 2017
Jury Prize for Best Actor
Jury Prize for Best South African Director

Torino Gay & Lesbian Film Festival 2017
Best Feature Film

Mumbai Film Festival 2017
Grand Jury Prize

African-American Film Critics Association 2017
Best Foreign Film

Black Reel Awards 2018
Outstanding Foreign Film

Carthage Film Festival 2017
Tanit d'Argent Award for Best Feature Film

Cinema Jove Valencia International Film Festival 2017
Best Film, Best Actor

Durban Gay & Lesbian Film Festival 2017  
Jury Prize Award for Best Feature Film

Frameline San Francisco International LGBTQ Film Festival ‘17
Outstanding First Feature Award

Kaleidoscope LGBT Festival 2017
Jury Award for Best Feature Film (International Narrative)

L.A. Outfest 2017
Grand Jury Award for Outstanding International Narrative Feature

LesGaiCineMad, Madrid International LGBT Film Festival 2017
Best Screenplay

Palm Springs International Film Festival 2017
FIPRESCI Prize for Best Actor

Queer Lisboa - Festival Internacional de Cinema Queer 2017
Audience Award for Best Feature Film

Sarasota Film Festival 2017
Jury Prize for Narrative Feature Film

Taipei Film Festival 2017
International New Talent Competition Grand Prize

World Cinema Amsterdam 2017
Best Film

South African Film and Television Awards 2018
Best Feature Film
Best Achievement in Directing - Feature Film
Best Actor- Feature Film
Best Supporting Actor - Feature Film
Best Achievement in Editing - Feature Film
Best Achievement in Screenwriting - Feature Film