SA initiation film on Oscars shortlist

INXEBA, the controversial local film about the intersection between sexuality and tradition in the Xhosa male initiation ceremony, has made it to the nine top hopefuls list for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences best foreign language film award.

The academy made the announcement on Thursday, making Inxeba the first South African film in eight years to make it to the top nine after Life Above All, a film by Oliver Schmitz.

The list of hopefuls will be further cut to five next month, prior to the 90th Academy Awards ceremony in Hollywood in March.

Directed by Johannesburg- based John Trengove, the film caused controversy among certain South African audiences with traditionalists charging that it was revealing sacred aspects of Xhosa male initiation.

However, the producers insist the film, which premieres in South Africa in February, is not about the initiation rituals but is a film about same-sex desire and the tension between sexuality, masculinity and tradition.

“The film’s interrogation of toxic masculinity seemed to resonate deeply with the academy voters, given everything that is going on in the United States at the moment, specifically in the film industry,” film producer Cait Pansegrouw said.

She said they were elated by the nomination and had high hopes of making it to the next round.

“Bringing this film to light has been an incredible experience. We are elated to have made it this far and are ready to push all the way to the end,” she said.

Inxeba

stars singer and songwriter Nakhane Toure as Xolani, who gets challenged to confront his identity in a masculine environment. Other cast members include Bongile Matsai and Niza Jay, with Elias Ribeiro and Batana Vundla as co-producers.

It is co-written by author of A Man Who is Not a Man, Thando Mgqolozana and Malusi Bengu.

Inxeba is up against A Fantastic Woman from Chile, In the Fade from Germany, On Body and Soul from Hungary, Foxtrot from Israel and other films from different countries.

noloyiso.mtembu@inl.co.za

PICTURE: SUPPLIED The cast of Inxeba (The Wound), a South African film which has made it to the shortlist of nine films nominated for the best foreign language film Oscar award.