Kino Lorber has set an August 16th USA theatrical release date for 2017 Sundance, Berlin and SXSW film festival selection, the South African drama from director John Trengove, titled “The Wound.” The film chronicles the initiation rites of a South African tribe, as tradition and modernity collide when an urbanized businessman from Johannesburg resolves to expose his 17-year-old son to the circumcision ceremony of his old tribe.

“The Wound” was co-written by Trengove, Thando Mgqolozana and Malusi Bengu and produced by Urucu Media. It stars multi-talented musician and novelist, Nakhane Touré in his first ever film-role, alongside Bongile Mantsai and Niza Jay Ncoyini. It was shot entirely in South Africa with an all-male Xhosa cast.

“What a privilege to have worked with this fearless cast and insanely talented team of collaborators. I am so grateful for the many Xhosa men who contributed in big ways and small ways, and, miraculously, trusted me to make this film. Whatever comes next, we made ‘The Wound’ with our eyes and hearts wide open,” Trengove said in a previous statement.

Kino Lorber has acquired all North American rights to the film a month ago, from Pyramide International, and has now set an August 16th theatrical release in the USA (It will be released in South Africa in July 2017), after a few more marquee international film festival playdates. The theatrical will be followed by a VoD and home media distribution during the latter half of this year.

Developed with the assistance of The Hubert Bals Fund and ARTE International Prize, as well as the South African Department of Trade and Industry and The National Film and Video Foundation, the film made its world premiere at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival.

This is John Trengove’s debut feature film.

Watch a trailer for “The Wound” below: