QUICK AND DIRTY: LIVE FROM LOCARNO

Christian doctrine defines the routine and mandates the existence of a small family of nomads, dwelling somewhere in the arid wastelands of South Africa. “If you love me keep my commandments, said Jesus to his disciples”, explains the Father, before thanking God for making them “His chosen people”, and reasserting that everyone must “listen to God’s voice”. The following day, the Mother explains to the Son that they must obey the patriarch without blinking. “Remain dutiful, no matter what”, she advises him. This is a closely-knit society without room for questioning and dissent.

The Father challenges the Son with one single word as sharp as the daggers that they routinely use in order to kill goats: “faggot”. Of course this isn’t a movie about animal sacrifice. The title refers to the biblical story of Abraham and and his son Isaac, in which God orders the former to kill the latter. The objective of the shocking deed,is to establish the fear of God as a guiding force. In the ancient tale, Abraham ends up sacrificing a ram instead. This furious God is once again at the helm, presumably driven by his hate of homosexuals. Will the Father allow ancient dogma and modern-day homophobia to prevail, or is there an alternative solution?

A jarring, minimalistic score helps to sustain a sense of tension and imprisonment throughout the entire 21 minutes of this short film. The cinematography oscillates between the pitch-black evening, precariously lit by a few torches, with minor sandstorms, and the bright days, with sunlight denouncing the sweat and the fearful facial expressions. The biggest revelation occurs when light is scarce and the adrenaline abundant. The story boasts a powerful yet not entirely unpredictable twist.

Most Europeans have a very different image of South Africa when it comes to LGBT+ rights. This is the first and so far the only country in Africa to legalise gay marriage. Most African countries remain actively homophobic, some pursuing and executing those who engage in ungodly sexual activities. Presumably, this reactionary mindset also extends to the rural and nomadic communities of South Africa, far less familiar with thecountry’s 21st legislation. Nakhane offers a glimmer of courage and hope to people who – contrary to their unshakeable belief that they were “chosen by God” – instead look forsaken by Him.

B(l)ind the Sacrifice just premiered in the Pardi di Domani section of the 77th Locarno International Film Festival.

This piece is cross-published in partnership with Ubiquarian.