The Hero Film Review

Directed by Zeze Gamboa, this tale of emotional prosperity out of physical and social hardship is an impressive sample of what I hope is to come from Angolian cinema.

Set in post-war Angola, o Heroi follows the return of Victorio, a decorated war veteran. Having lost his leg to a land mine, Victorio returns to the city of Luanda in an attempt to find work and shelter. Proudly wearing his medal, his attempts to find employment are fruitless. Soon it becomes apparent that Victorio has now been shunned by the society he once fought for.

Beautifully intertwined are the stories of two other characters, the attractive yet naive schoolteacher Joana and the young, troubled street kid Manu.

Gratefully, untouched by the likes of Hollywood CGI action sequences or saccharine-sweet romantic interludes, this film is a rough diamond. A plot devoid of polish means that the actors are allowed to concentrate soley on the heart-felt portrayal of their characters.

The realism and no-holds barred attitude towards bringing the impact of the savageries of war upon society is what makes the film so striking.

By Fly Global Music & Culture

Manifesto Film Festival

Film festivals are notorious for artsy, occasionally pretentious audiences indulging in the most avant-garde and often abstract of the film world.

Not this time. This film festival boasts authenticity, grit and spirit. Led by Alberto Tavares, the man behind the Manifesto movement, it promises to indulge the senses and challenge a spectrum of emotions through the story-telling of two films. Both features representing the Portuguese speaking African nations or "P.A.L.O.P." as they have been coined. The festival showcases two films entwined with the Manifesto movement and its dedication to bringing cherished recognition of these nations. As well as being a platform for up-and-coming African artists it also boasts opportunities for those who choose her as their muse.

Firstly, the critically acclaimed and award-winning, The Hero. Set in post-war Angola, the film follows the return home of Victorio, a civil war veteran. It promises to poigantly demonstrate the tragic consequences of civil war upon society and the impact of its aftermath of individuals. Within this story are carefully weaved the tales of three other characters and the cost of war upon their lives.

The second feature is a feature documentary entitled The Journey of Cape Verde. Portrayed through the eyes of a young boy it follows his passage to uncovering his identity as a true Cape Verdean. Filmed in four years it accompanies him on his journeys and delves into Cape Verde's rich history.

The festival spans over three day, claiming to be a realistic protrayal of this often, all too easily overlooked genre.

In an intimate setting, the films will be shown along with commentary from members of Manifesto.

By Christina Warner