Umemulo ka Lerato - Becoming a Woman, 90min., South Africa

Directed by LERATO SNAKE MOKOENA MOTAUNG, FRANCOIS J. ODENDAAL

In "Umemulo ka Lerato - Becoming a Woman", Lerato, a young woman from a township in Johannesburg reflects on her coming of age in modern South Africa. Umemulo is a rite of passage that marks the transition of a young girl into adulthood. Preparations start with the onset of puberty and has many interesting phases before culminating in a colourful ceremony over four days. Perhaps the most important ceremony in Zulu culture Umemulo is starting to reconnect the ‘lost generation’ with traditional values in the townships. Using old photos, archive footage and beautiful shot modern footage, Umemulo ka Lerato tells the moving and insightful story of Lerato and her maidens.