Nakhane

Eastern Cape, South Africa. A lonely factory worker, Xolani, takes time off his job to assist during an annual Xhosa circumcision initiation into manhood. In a remote mountain camp that is off limits to women, young men, painted in white ochre, recuperate as they learn the masculine codes of their culture. In this environment of machismo and aggression, Xolani cares for a defiant initiate from Johannesburg, Kwanda, who quickly learns Xolani's best kept secret, that he is in love with another man.

X, a young man navigating the intensity of life in Luanda — a city that mirrors the energy and contradictions of many African megacities. Alongside his siblings, Lele and Maria, he takes refuge in art, wrestles with faith, and draws strength from the bond of brotherhood. Together, they find release in the underground — from poetry slams to clandestine clubs — where words become weapons of resilience.

In late 19th century Montana, an artist seeking inspiration explores the landscape with his Native American guide, and finds his conceptions of himself and of the world around him challenged. In 1970s Barstow, California, a questioning youth's mundane existence is given a shot of adrenaline by the arrival of a new exchange student who envelops them within her own lust for life. In present-day Wyoming, a trans teenager works through his self-destructive feelings with his perceptive, non-binary therapist.

From front rooms, Black families, friends, students and older generations navigate British and American society today.

Based on the biblical story of Abraham and Isaac, from Genesis: “God promised Sarah and Abraham they would have a son, even though she was past childbearing age.” After Isaac is born, to test Abraham’s obedience, God instructs him to sacrifice his only son. As the pious Abraham begins to prepare for the ritual sacrifice, he is stopped by the angel of the Lord and Isaac’s life is spared at the last moment.

Crave is an intimate character study about an alienated African musician with a secret lust for human blood.