“Indlela Yokuphila,” a visually captivating and spiritually resonant short film, explores the intersection of intangible ocean heritages and transformative ocean governance in South Africa, using animation to shed light on cultural values and heritage in marine decision-making.
Johannesburg, South Africa (09 June 2023) – The captivating short film “Indlela Yokuphila,” which translates to “The Soul’s Journey” in Zulu, has taken the world by storm. Researched and narrated by Mpume Mthombeni from Empatheatre and directed by the talented Marc Moynihan from Shells & Spells, along with Dr Dylan McGarry from Empatheatre/Rhodes University, this film aims to breathe life into intangible ocean heritages.
Through mesmerizing animation and thought-provoking public dialogues, it seeks to reintroduce the sacred into our conversations about ocean well-being.
During the film’s grand unveiling at the United Nations in New York on June 8, 2023, Empatheatre co-director Mpume Mthombeni delivered a powerful message. She emphasized that storytelling is the sacred medicine, the umuthi, that ocean governance desperately needs. With this film, she addresses the critical oversight in ocean governance by exploring the inclusion of spiritual and cultural heritages in decision-making and marine spatial planning.
This awe-inspiring production came to life through a collaboration with “Shells & Spells” animation studios, in association with Triggerfish. It all began during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when Empatheatre transformed their production “Lalela uLwandle” into a digital storytelling experience. They ingeniously used animation as an alternative to their traditional theatre methodology, providing a unique opportunity to bridge Indigenous customary lore with other worldviews and practices surrounding ocean valuation.
“Indlela Yokuphila” has played a pivotal role in three groundbreaking court proceedings in South Africa.
Indigenous fisher leaders and ocean defenders took on the mighty oil and gas giant Shell, along with the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, and emerged victorious. These historic judicial decisions marked the first time that an animation was used as evidence in a South African court. The film served as a powerful representation of the intangible cultural heritage associated with the ocean. Alongside two other Empatheatre films and a captivating radio play, “Indlela Yokuphila” sheds light on and establishes connections with the intangible ocean heritages within the realms of governance and education.
Intriguingly, the exploration of South African spirituality in this film reveals a remarkable resemblance to the scientific concept of the water lifecycle. Sociologist Dr Kira Erwin, a collaborative researcher on the project, highlights this connection.
The team was gifted the story behind the film by a traditional Zulu historian and Sangoma, transforming it into a collaborative effort with the One Ocean Hub. Their goal was to contribute to community-led research on transformative ocean governance in South Africa. The visual aesthetics of the film are simply mesmerizing, a testament to the tireless efforts of the Empatheatre team, Indigenous knowledge holders, and an exceptionally talented crew of creatives.
Countless iterations were undertaken to ensure accurate representation and ethical storytelling. The result is a visually and sonically stunning film that will leave audiences spellbound. The narration and score create an operatic atmosphere, paying homage to South Africa’s rich oral traditions and poetic praise. The sound and original score, directed by the brilliant Braam du Toit in collaboration with the Cape Town Opera, elevate the immersive experience to new heights.
Moreover, “Indlela Yokuphila” acts as a heartfelt love letter to Kwa-Zulu Natal, a region that has endured its fair share of tragedies in recent years. It delves not only into Zulu traditions but also acknowledges other sacred rituals and practices intricately woven into the region’s history.
Ultimately, this remarkable film aims to untangle the historical complexities surrounding conservation and biodiversity protection in South Africa. It ensures that cultural values and heritage are not only recognized but also accounted
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