NHENHA

Synopsis

“We work the land and we dance. That’s what we know how to do” explains Maria in this portrait of the lives of three generations of women in southern Mozambique. The dance they dance is the Xingomana: originally a dance of seduction, it grew into one of affirmation of women’s strength during the nation’s fight for independence in the 60s and 70s. Yet despite having won many rights, we find the younger generation of women toiling hard to survive, whilst their husbands work across the border in South Africa (with, they suppose, other wives and children). Through stories, song and dance, this film tells these women’s stories, whilst celebrating their strength and determination – or, as it is called here, their “Nhenha”.