The Fiancée from beyond

Short synopsis 

The film A Noiva do Além (The Fiancée from Beyond) explores an ancient cultural practice involving the payment of a “lobolo” (or bride price) to “purchase” a woman. However, in certain cases, when the woman dies before the transaction is completed, the price increases, and the payment for her funeral is required.

 

Statement of intent

The ritual scenes will be interspersed with testimonies from people who practice lobolo after death. Our goal is to create a cinematic environment that will allow viewers to feel and understand the depth of these traditions.

In an increasingly globalized world, it’s easy to condemn practices that degrade women. However, it’s also essential to look beyond our own beliefs and practices and try to understand the complexity of traditions and rituals. By bringing visibility to these practices, we contribute to intercultural dialogue, offer an opportunity for learning, and promote a more realistic approach to the issue.

We hope that the film will contribute to fostering a broader debate about the relationship between men and women in African marriage, and more specifically between the living and the dead. Furthermore, we hope it will lead viewers to reflect personally on how we approach marriage and mourning, family traditions, and spiritual heritage.

Direction

Emília NHATE

Maputo, Mozambique

Format

Short Documentary
30 min
In development

Production

PROMATE 

Budget total

Budget total : 25.000  € 

Financements confirmés : 5.000 €

Contact 

Emília NHATE

+258847550560

nhateemiliaa@gmail.com

The Author

Emília NHATE, a journalism graduate, has been working in the film industry for five years. She directed a documentary on Samora Machel and a short film, Xilhabetwana, about the use of a traditional remedy for children.

She is currently working on the Résistance et Affirmation Culturelle project as a director and editor.