Ukwaluka is an ancient circumcision ritual for young men still widely practiced by the Xhosa in South Africa. It marks the transition from youth to manhood. A boy who has just undergone circumcision sits in semi-darkness in a simple hut on a hill, far away from the village, as prescribed by the initiation ritual. He is covered from head to toe with a paint made from clay which makes him look as white as a goat. This should be a period of healing, but he is cold and in pain. His grandfather, who is supposed to induct him into his new life, has not yet appeared. According to the belief system of the Xhosa, Ukwaluka also purges the boy from homosexual desires, for which there is no place in the world of adults.
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Cast
4 people
John Trengove Director
First release January 1, 2014 · Produced in South Africa · Original title IBhokhwe
Production
South Africa
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Languages
Original title
IBhokhwe
Original language
Xhosa
Spoken on screen
Xhosa
Release dates
South Africa · January 1, 2014
Theatrical
No release date listed for United States.
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