Kino Lorber has set an August 16th USA theatrical release date for 2017 Sundance, Berlin and SXSW film festival selection, the South African drama from director John Trengove, titled The Wound. The film chronicles the initiation rites of a South African tribe, as tradition and modernity collide when an urbanized businessman from Johannesburg resolves to expose his 17-year-old son to the circumcision ceremony of his old tribe.

The Wound was co-written by Trengove, Thando Mgqolozana and Malusi Bengu and produced by Urucu Media. It stars multi-talented musician and novelist, Nakhane Touré in his first ever film-role, alongside Bongile Mantsai and Niza Jay Ncoyini. It was shot entirely in South Africa with an all-male Xhosa cast.

“What a privilege to have worked with this fearless cast and insanely talented team of collaborators. I am so grateful for the many Xhosa men who contributed in big ways and small ways, and, miraculously, trusted me to make this film. Whatever comes next, we made The Wound with our eyes and hearts wide open,” Trengove said in a previous statement.

Kino Lorber acquired all North American rights to the film earlier this year, from Pyramide International, and has set an August 16th theatrical release in the USA. It’s African premiere is set for the Durban International Film Festival on July 14th, in competition.

The USA theatrical will be followed by a VoD and home media distribution during the latter half of this year.

Developed with the assistance of The Hubert Bals Fund and ARTE International Prize, as well as the South African Department of Trade and Industry and The National Film and Video Foundation, the film made its world premiere at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival.

This is John Trengove’s debut feature film.

An official poster and trailer for The Wound have been released and are embedded below: