The Sound of Masks
Director Sara Gouveia
Countries Portugal, South Africa
Duration 71 min
Synopsis
Atanásio Nyusi, a compelling storyteller and legendary Mapiko dancer, takes us on a surreal journey interweaving the politics of Mozambique’s colonial past and its present, using music, dance and his body as archive. During Portuguese rule Mapiko was often used as social commentary to challenge colonization. Since the end of the civil war that followed the country’s independence it celebrates freedom, cultural identity and collective memory.
Atanásio Nyusi, a compelling storyteller and legendary Mapiko dancer, takes us on a surreal journey interweaving the politics of Mozambique’s colonial past and its present, using music, dance and his body as archive. During Portuguese rule Mapiko was often used as social commentary to challenge colonization. Since the end of the civil war that followed the country’s independence it celebrates freedom, cultural identity and collective memory.