Mabata Bata

MABATA BATA is a trip to the African modern rural world in Mozambique, where the magical universe is still very present on people's life who have few options to face poverty. Their great dream, still now, is to reach the 'other side', where they believe they can find potential solutions for their lives. But what is the point of making plans if the war can keep you from accomplishing them? The film is an adaptation of THE DAY MABATA BATA EXPLODED, a short story by international awarded writer MIA COUTO, published in VOICES MADE NIGHT, the author's first short stories book. The original story talks about a shepherd boy who wants to go to school, but he is not allowed to do it because he has to take care of the herd for the lobolo (traditional dowry) of his uncle, who works in the mines of South Africa. Above all, he has to take care of MABATA BATA, the herd's biggest ox. In the adaptation, the film gains a magical dimension, with the introduction of a ceremony, with an invocation of the spirit that may or may not bless the marriage that was preceded by tragic events. The war is present: the ox explodes, the boy runs away, which triggers a series of events that will end unpredictably. The film was made in co-production with the Mozambican company PROMARTE, and the Portuguese company BANDO À PARTE.

With a great story, characters and direction, Mia Couto made a masterpiece.

When you are using real actors and not "reheated" stars alongside silly semi-amateurs, plus a script that does not self plagiarize, any movie can only be good and very good!

Love Sol de Carvalho, this didn't disappoint!

My hat off to lead cast and Sol de Carvalho. Great job!!! And I am going to see it again.

It is truly epic in every word. This is probably one of the most ambitious movies ever made.

Very exciting movie. The cast in this one is great.

This movie allows all the established actors and actresses to do what they do best without smothering one another. Great movie!