Ique Langa, a filmmaker from Mozambique, is set to debut his feature film, O profeta (The Prophet), at the International Film Festival Rotterdam on January 30, 2024. This striking black-and-white film delves into themes of faith, temptation, and the consequences of choices. It follows Pastor Hélder, whose dwindling faith leads him to explore witchcraft as he grapples with his beliefs amid a rising tide of charismatic pastors in Mozambique.
The film, created over a nine-year journey, features a non-professional cast from Manjacaze, a small town in southern Mozambique. Langa’s vision was shaped by his personal experiences in the village, where he witnessed an explosion of new churches and pastors. “I went to visit my aunt one time, and there was one church like that. When I went back two months later, there were three such churches,” he recalled. This rapid growth prompted Langa to explore the spiritual conflicts faced by individuals in his community.
The narrative of The Prophet invites audiences to consider the implications of opening “Pandora’s Box” in pursuit of desires. Langa explained that even those connected to a higher power face human temptations. The pastor’s journey, marked by doubt and the allure of “shiny objects,” resonates universally with anyone who has sought something greater. In contrast, the pastor’s wife remains grounded, embodying a deeper sense of fulfillment and connection to the community.
Artistry and Community Collaboration
In crafting his film, Langa chose a black-and-white aesthetic to reflect his artistic vision. “When I started writing this film, I was telling my friends that I’m writing it in black and white,” he noted. Despite encouragement to adopt color, Langa remained committed to his original idea, believing it best represented the essence of the story. His influences include cinematic legends like Robert Bresson and Yasujirō Ozu, who are known for their contemplative styles and use of silence to provoke thought.
The film’s production was deeply rooted in the community, with Langa opting to work exclusively with local, non-professional actors. “This movie was all done with non-actors. Nobody’s a professional,” he emphasized. Through this collaboration, the cast brought their own experiences and authenticity to the project. Tragically, two actors passed away during the lengthy production, which Langa acknowledged as having an emotional impact on the film.
The exploration of spiritual themes and the interplay between traditional beliefs and Christianity are central to the film. Langa articulated the significance of ancestral spirits in Mozambican culture, emphasizing how they shape the present. “In Mozambique, we have a belief that once someone we love passes away, they become a spirit, and then eventually they become an ancestor,” he explained.
Looking Ahead
With the premiere of The Prophet on the horizon, Langa is eager to share his work with a global audience. “It’s been a long, long journey of nine years,” he said, expressing excitement about presenting the film in Rotterdam. He is also working on his next project titled Chapa 100, inspired by his experiences in Maputo, Mozambique’s capital. This upcoming film focuses on the lives of aging street vendors and their unexpected connections.
As Langa prepares for the future, his commitment to storytelling rooted in his cultural heritage remains steadfast. His artistic journey illustrates the complexities of faith and the human experience, resonating with audiences far beyond Mozambique.
