Ground-breaking and deeply moving, The Wound (Inxeba) is an unflinching exploration of love, masculinity, class, and identity among a group of young men undertaking the difficult transition into adulthood. The powerful film has garnered international acclaim and was chosen as South Africa’s official Oscar submission for Best Foreign Language Film in 2017.

The Wound follows a trio of young men undergoing Ukwaluka, a traditional (and closely guarded) South African Xhosa initiation into manhood that involves ritualistic circumcision. This secretive and taboo ceremony has never before been explored on film and has engendered backlash among members of the Xhosa community.