South African co-writer/director John Trengove’s balanced docudrama explores a clandestine relationship between two Xhosa men, set against the backdrop of a traditional coming-of-age ceremony.

Lonely factory worker Xolani seizes the opportunity when asked to be the personal caregiver of young initiate Kwanda (standout Niza Jay) for two weeks in the wilderness. The boy’s father hopes the experience and Xolani will toughen the soft “city boy,” yet Xolani has ulterior motives as he seeks to reignite an affair with fellow caregiver Vija. Although the macho Vija is romantically responsive, both men struggle with accepting their taboo sexuality in the face of a ceremony reinforcing stereotypical gender roles. When Kwanda begins to show signs of suspicion, Xolani must confront the boy, and himself, to prevent his secret from coming out.

This expertly crafted coming-of-age story is as beautifully shot as it is harrowing in its depiction of how the controversial tradition of circumcision affects the men of this community.

In competition for the FIPRESCI Prize.