Experiencing Interruptions?

Mbokodo (rock)

"Wathinta abafazi, Wathin'imbokodo" (you strike a woman, you strike a rock) is a phrase commonly used to describe the strength of a woman. It is used to describe the epitome of strength found in women. Sizani, an 8-year-old girl, uses 'ukuqoqisa' - a storytelling form where rocks are used as characters in a story, to tell the story of how she was sexually violated.

  • Nakesa Ndou
    Director
  • Nakesa Ndou
    Writer
  • Nakesa Ndou
    Producer
  • Sinethemba Dianibe
    Key Cast
    "Sizani"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    11 minutes 46 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    February 3, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    16,283 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    South Africa
  • Country of Filming:
    South Africa
  • Language:
    English, Zulu
  • Shooting Format:
    RED,35mm
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Durban International Film Festival
    Duban
    South Africa
    July 23, 2023
    African Premiere/ South African Premiere
    Official Selection
  • Festival International du Film PanAfricain De Cannes
    Cannes
    Italy
    October 22, 2023
    South-Central Europe Premiere
    Finalist
  • Discover Awards
    London
    United Kingdom
    September 30, 2023
    North Western Europe Premiere
    Finalist
Director Biography - Nakesa Ndou

Nakesa Ndou is an upcoming Producer and Director. Her debut film is a drama that deals with sexual violence in children. Nakesa is concerned about the subject of the 'African Female Gaze' - what it means for an African female, to create stories that are centred around the female body, and the reality of the african woman in a contemporary setting.

Nakesa studied a BA in Dramatic Arts at WITS University in Johannesburg, and is currently studying a BA in Film Production at the University of Cape Town.

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Director Statement

Mbokodo! a compelling word to use to describe a woman. Mbokodo connotes strength and power. It is used to emphasise the unshakeable nature of women. In this context it is used to describe an 8-year-old girl.

To caption the title of the film 'Mbokodo' in front of an image of an 8-year-old, allows us to look at this child with respect. Instead of giving her the gaze of sensitivity and fragility, we clothe her with strength and power - a stance that demands the audience to look, to listen, exercising the implication that power draws attention. And that is exactly what this film strives for; to draw attention to a matter that holds the softest voice. This film is not only to give awareness to sexual violence against children, but it is a film about the secret silent proclivities that happen beneath the layers of our society. It is a film that reminds us of the power of film as a medium. The ability it possesses not only to tell a story, but also to reveal.
Mbokodo, is a film that is to be treated with utmost delicacy and care.

This is essentially a love letter to the children's voices that will never be heard.