The official poster and trailer have been revealed for the U.S. release of the South African drama, The Wound. The film is directed by John Trengove.

It 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.

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 earlier this year.

This is John Trengove’s debut feature film.

The official description of the film reads: “Brimming with sex and violence, John Trengove’s award-winning debut feature 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. As Kwanda defiantly negotiates his queer identity within this macho 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.”

Watch the trailer below:

Here’s the poster:

The Wound Poster

John Trengove

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