Sundance

The Wound, a film by by John Trengove, will make its world premiere in the World Cinema Dramatic Competition at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival. The Sundance Film Festival takes place January 19-29 with screenings in Park City, Salt Lake City and at Sundance Mountain Resort, Utah. The Sundance Film Festival has introduced global audiences to some of the most groundbreaking films of the past three decades, including Boyhood, Beasts of the Southern Wild, Fruitvale Station, Whiplash, The End of the Tour, Little Miss Sunshine, Reservoir Dogs, An Inconvenient Truth, Precious and Napoleon Dynamite.

The Wound tells the story Xolani, a lonely Xhosa factory worker who 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.

The Wound was co-written by John 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," says Trengove.

The Wound is a co-production between South Africa, Germany, The Netherlands and France and was shot on location in the northern region of South Africa. The film was developed with the assistance of The Hubert Bals Fund and ARTE International Prize. The Department of Trade and Industry and The National Film and Video Foundation supported production and the film presold to broadcasters ARTE France and ZDF in Germany. International Sales will is handled by Pyramide in Paris. The film’s intended release in South Africa is July 2017.

This is John Trengove’s debut feature film.

For more information about The Wound, visit www.urucumedia.com/thewound