Mabata Bata


Mabata Bata is a 2017 Mozambique feature drama film directed by Sol de Carvalho and co-produced by the director along with Rodrigo Areias and Ricardo Freitas for Bando à parte Promarte Films. The film is a magic-realist adaption from a short story by Mia Couto.
The TV movie version was released on 30 April 2017 in Portugal and 1 May 2017 in Brazil. On 30 January 2019, the film was released at International Film Festival Rotterdam in Netherlands. The film was shot around the locations in Chibuto, Gaza and Mozambique.

Plot

The plot is based on a short story by Mia Couto O Dia Em Que Explodiu Mabata Bata. Azarias, a young orphaned shepherd has to tend the oxen flock of his uncle Raul, although he dreams of going to school. The most beautiful animal, Mabata Bata, is destined to pay the dowry of Raul's fiancée. However, the ox leaves the herd and steps on a mine left behind by fighters in the civil war. Afraid of his uncle's wrath, Azarias flees into the forest with the remaining animals and magical events occur. His grandmother and uncle set out to rescue him and convince him to return.

Cast

  • Emílio Bila as Azarias
  • Filomena Remigio as Carolina
  • Esperança Naiene as Irondina
  • Medianeira Massingue as Lúcia
  • Mário Mabjaia as Espírito
  • Horácio Guiamba as Raul
  • Wilton Boene as José
  • Shcozo Ichiyama

    Awards and accolades

The film received positive reviews and won several awards at international film festivals.