Directed by Ntshaveni Wa Luruli, who cut his teeth as assistant director on seminal Spike Lee films like 'Malcom X' and 'Jungle Fever', brings an auteur's  touch to the project, presenting the Venda setting as a character in itself through its mores, ways of life and cultural pride. The movie is based on a book written by Dr Titus Ntsieni Maumela who, as a teacher in the 1950s, wanted to show how education was an important vehicle to change the treatment of women in the Venda community. The book's fervour is equal to texts such as 'Mopheme' and 'Ityala la Mawele', which also present an epic and regal overview of tradition in Southern Africa.

 

In terms of performance, it's Masebe who methodically delves into richly rendered feelings of hurt and frustration without coming across as weak, carrying the narrative alongside the grandeur of Venda itself. Ultimately, 'Elelwani' is a beautiful film that informs us that there are richer stories out there that have nothing to do with township life or the gun-toting contrivance normally associated with urban storytelling in South Africa.

 

'Elelwani' is currently showing at Nu Metro cinemas across the country, and at The Bioscope.