North American Premiere
Wavumba
World Documentary Competition
| Netherlands
| 80 MINUTES
| English, Swahili
Documentary
Mysticism and color reign in this stunning documentary, steeped in the fishermen lore of Kenya. Dutch filmmaker Jeroen van Velzen explores his visceral memories of an early youth spent in coastal Kenya, where a reverence for the sea reigns high. Via the locals' enigmatic recitation of a well known folktale, we are introduced to a spirit-filled island, to which a fisherman's visit has the magic to alternately bless or curse his bounty.
Enter Masoud, a legend of shark fishing, a man who proudly wears his scars and knotted bones as proof of decades spent battling underwater foes. His glory days long gone, Masoud and his stoic grandson take to the seas, the elder fisherman unhappily relegated to the role of castigating mentor, battering his protégée with nagging critique. As he tries to close out his days on the water with one final, spectacular capture, Masoud spins grandiose stories told with swaggering pride and heartbreaking nostalgia. Still, just as you start to question Masoud's hold on reality, he confirms his stature with a display of astonishing skill and an intrinsic, almost religious mastery of his craft. An Old Man and the Sea story brought to vivid life, Wavumba enchants with its poignant protagonist and magnificent visuals.
Cast & Credits
Directed by
Jeroen van Velzen and Jeroen van Velzen
Jeroen van Velzen was born in the Netherlands and lived in Kenya, India, and South Africa. After high school in England he studied documentary directing at the Netherlands Film and Television Academy, where he made the short film Baba. Wavumba is his first feature doc.
Screenwriter
Jeroen van Velzen, Sara Kee
Director
Jeroen van Velzen
Primary Cast
Mohammed Masoud Muyongo, Juma Lonya Mwapitu
Director of Photography
Lennart Verstegen
Contacts
* Rush Tickets available at venue except for
Beacon Theatre
Rush will be offered when advanced tickets for a screening or event are no longer available at venues
other than Beacon Theatre.
The Rush system functions as a standby line that will form at the venue approximately one hour prior to scheduled start time. Admittance is based on availability and will begin roughly 10 minutes prior to program start time. Rush Tickets are the same price as advance tickets and are payable upon entry.
2012 Best New Documentary Director Award Winner – Jeroen van Velzen. Click here for additional screenings.
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