SA’s first Tshivenda film to hit cinemas

Directed by Ntshavheni wa Luruli and starring Florence Masebe, the movie is based on the book by Titus Ntsiene Maumela, which was one of the first Tshivenda novels published in South Africa.

Shot against the green and lush backdrop of the Thohoyandou area of Limpopo, the movie explores the life and choices of Elelwani, a young woman who leaves her rural village for America. She becomes engaged to Vele, but when the two tell her parents they denounce the union and tell her she is expected is to wed the tribal king.

A scene from ‘Elelwani’, the first Venda-language film to be made in South Africa

“‘Elelwani’ promises to takes its audience on a journey into this deeply traditional spirit world of the Venda people,” says Luruli. “They inhabit a deeply spiritual world as can be seen from their wood carvings, pottery and building decorations. Male and female roles are clearly defined in this society, and it’s one of the themes explored in the film.

“Traditional life in this culture has changed little over time, and I was keen to home in on that in a way that is sensitive and respectful, while providing an authentic look at the conflicts that can arise when modernity impacts a traditional way of life.”