Ique Langa, a filmmaker from Mozambique, is set to debut his feature film, O profeta (The Prophet), at the International Film Festival Rotterdam on January 30, 2024. The film, presented in black and white, delves into themes of faith, doubt, and the allure of witchcraft, encapsulated in the journey of a pastor grappling with his beliefs.
The film follows Pastor Hélder, whose dwindling faith leads him to explore witchcraft as a means of reclaiming his spiritual connection. Langa describes the central conflict as a metaphor for the human experience, emphasizing the caution needed when venturing into unknown realms. “Be careful with the doors you open,” he warns, reflecting on the unintended consequences that come with seeking power and fulfillment.
Filmed over a nine-year period in Manjacaze, a small town in southern Mozambique, the movie features a non-professional cast, including Admiro De Laura Munguambe and Nora Matavel. Langa’s decision to work with local actors stemmed from a desire to authentically represent the community’s experiences. He noted, “This movie was all done with non-actors. Nobody’s a professional,” emphasizing the importance of local voices in storytelling.
Exploring Spiritual Beliefs and Cultural Influences
The narrative is steeped in the cultural landscape of Mozambique, where Langa observed a rapid increase in self-proclaimed pastors during his visits to Manjacaze. “When I went to visit my aunt one time, there was one church like that. When I went back two months later, there were three such churches,” he recalled. This proliferation of churches reflects a complex interplay between traditional beliefs and Christianity, which the film seeks to portray.
The protagonist’s wife serves as a counterbalance to his spiritual turmoil, representing a grounded perspective on faith. Langa elaborated on this dynamic, stating, “She sees his true nature and still connects him to his true nature.” Through their relationship, the film explores the burdens of both past and present, as well as the impact of ancestral spirits on the living.
Langa’s creative vision for The Prophet was influenced by his childhood experiences in the region and the spiritual beliefs prevalent in Mozambican society. “We have a belief that once someone we love passes away, they become a spirit, and then eventually they become an ancestor,” he emphasized. This belief system informs the narrative’s exploration of the coexistence of traditional and Christian practices.
A Long Journey of Creation
The decision to shoot the film in black and white was one Langa made early in the writing process. Despite suggestions to use color, he felt that the story’s emotional weight aligned more with a monochromatic aesthetic. “When I tried imagining it in color, it just never came out. So, I just decided to write and imagine the whole movie in black and white,” he explained.
Langa drew inspiration from renowned filmmakers such as Robert Bresson and Yasujirō Ozu, whose works emphasize silence and contemplation. He also incorporated elements of Mozambican art, particularly from the famed painter Malangatana Ngwenya, into the film’s visual style.
Over the extensive production period, Langa faced personal losses, including the passing of two actors from the local community. He reflected on how these experiences infused a deeper energy into the film, stating that they helped honor those who contributed to the project.
As Langa prepares for the premiere of O profeta in Rotterdam, he is already looking ahead to his next project. He revealed that he is working on a new film titled Chapa 100, inspired by his experiences in the capital, Maputo. This upcoming narrative will focus on the lives of aging street vendors and explore the magic that unfolds when two individuals meet later in life.
Langa’s journey as a filmmaker embodies a commitment to telling stories that matter to him and his community. With The Prophet, he invites audiences to reflect on the complexities of faith and desire, underscoring the universal struggle to navigate the spiritual paths we choose.
