The film The Prophet by Mozambican writer-director Ique Langa makes its world premiere on January 30, 2024, at the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR). This striking black-and-white feature is a contemplative exploration of faith and the complexities that accompany it.
Set in the small town of Manjacaze, southern Mozambique, the film follows Pastor Hélder as he grapples with his diminishing faith. In a desperate attempt to reclaim his beliefs, he turns to witchcraft and sacrifice, raising questions about the cost of pursuing spiritual fulfillment. Langa, who spent nearly a decade crafting this film with a non-professional cast, emphasizes the cautionary theme of “the doors you open” in the film’s narrative.
The cast includes local talents such as Admiro De Laura Munguambe, Nora Matavel, and Alexandre Masnado Coana, all of whom contribute their lived experiences to their roles. Cinematography by Denilson Pombo and editing by Sara Carneiro further enhance the film’s meditative pace and unique visuals.
Thematic Depth and Personal Connection
Langa drew inspiration for The Prophet from his childhood experiences in a village where he witnessed the rapid rise of self-proclaimed prophets. “In recent years, there’s been a huge surge of these pastors,” he explains. His observations of the proliferation of churches prompted him to reflect on the allure of alternative powers and the superficiality that often accompanies religious fervor.
The film serves as a metaphor for Langa’s own struggles with faith and creativity. “Even if someone is connected to a higher power, they’re not fully disconnected from their human desires,” he noted. The character of the pastor’s wife represents a contrasting perspective, embodying a grounded approach to faith and satisfaction with her life’s purpose.
As the narrative unfolds, it delves into deep-seated themes of spirituality, tradition, and the duality of beliefs within Mozambican culture. Langa highlights the importance of ancestors in the local belief system, stating, “Once someone we love passes away, they become a spirit, and then eventually they become an ancestor.” This layering of spiritual beliefs adds complexity to the pastor’s journey and reflects the broader societal tensions between traditional and Christian practices.
A Community-Centric Production
The decision to work with non-professional actors was pivotal for Langa, who felt it was essential to capture the community’s essence. “This movie was all done with non-actors. Nobody’s a professional,” he explained. The collaborative nature of the project allowed local voices to shine, contributing authenticity to the film’s narrative.
The lengthy production process was not without its challenges. Langa noted that two actors passed away during filming, which he believes infused the project with a deeper sense of purpose and energy. “We integrated them into the film, in a sense, almost honoring these people,” he said.
Langa expressed his excitement about the film’s premiere, reflecting on the nine-year journey that led to this moment. “When we started making this film, we just wanted to complete it and tell a story that mattered to us,” he stated.
As he looks to the future, Langa is already working on his next project titled Chapa 100, which draws inspiration from his life in Maputo. “It’s the story of an older couple that meets later in life, and something magical happens,” he revealed.
With The Prophet, Langa invites audiences to reflect on their own journeys of faith and the choices they make, reminding them to tread carefully when opening new doors.
