The Swenkas

In talented Danish director Jeppe Rønde’s new film he sets out for the South African Republic to investigate a group of fascinating dudes from the Zulu tribe who call themselves Swenkas. Each Saturday evening, exhausted by labour yet still in a good mood, the workers doff their dusty gear and don Pierre Cardin and Carducci suits. The most elegant Swenka becomes the winner of an unusual competition. This strutting of solicitously maintained suits typifies a life philosophy based on cleanliness of body and soul, on honour and respect towards others and oneself. Rønde’s film focuses on 31-year-old Sabel who is considering whether or not to follow in the footsteps of his recently deceased father, the respected leader of the group, or to quit the Swenkas. Shot in Cinemascope, this lyrical (docu)drama expresses the power of hope as an inexhaustible source of life energy, and is framed by the voice of a charismatic narrator, which lends it an almost mythical dimension. (source: Catalogue 40th Karlovy Vary IFF)