| Mabata Bata | |
| Director: | Sol de Carvalho |
| Producer: | Sol de Carvalho Rodrigo Areias Ricardo Freitas |
| Based On: | Novel O dia que explodiu Mabata Bata by Mia Couto |
| Starring: | Emílio Bila Wilton Boene Medianeira Massingue Esperança Naiene |
| Music: | Pierre Dufloo |
| Cinematography: | Jorge Quintela |
| Editing: | André Guiomar |
| Runtime: | 74 min. |
| Country: | Mozambique Portugal |
| Language: | Tsonga Portuguese |
Mabata Bata, is a 2017 Mozambique documentary drama film directed by Sol de Carvalho and co-produced by the director himself along with Rodrigo Areias and Ricardo Freitas for Bando à parte Promarte Films.[1] The film is adapted from a short story by Mia Couto.[2] The TV movie version was released on 30 April 2017 in Portugal and 1 May 2017 in Brazil. On 30 January 2019, the film was released at International Film Festival Rotterdam in Netherlands. The film was shot around the locations in Chibuto, Gaza and Mozambique.[3]
The plot is based on a short story by Mia Couto O Dia Em Que Explodiu Mabata Bata (The Day Mabata Bata Exploded). Azarias, a young orphaned shepherd has to tend the oxen flock of his uncle Raul, although he dreams of going to school. The most beautiful animal, Mabata Bata, is destined to pay the dowry of Raul's fiancée. However, the ox leaves the herd and steps on a mine left behind by fighters in the civil war. Afraid of his uncle's wrath, Azarias flees into the forest with the remaining animals and magical events occur.[4] [5] His grandmother and uncle set out to rescue him and convince him to return.[6]
The film received positive reviews and won several awards at international film festivals.[7] [8]