Orango

Filmmakers Staniel Ferreira and Samuel Kay Forrest deliver an emotional and spiritual journey through one man’s reconnection with his childhood home. 

Eny (Ferreira) travels back to Orango, Africa with his sister (Stephanie Ferreira) following the death of their mother. Having moved to the U.S. seventeen years ago as refugees, they want to revisit the place of their childhood, find answers about their identity and heritage, and confront the trauma which still lives with them. Significant to Eny is confronting his father (Obino Ferreira), a very flawed and abusive man whose trail of destruction looms heavy on our protagonist. Following an angry encounter with his dad, Eny decides to venture elsewhere and learn more about his mother’s family. 

What is so striking about Orango as a film is this quasi-documentary style that will likely baffle most audiences. It’s made in such a way that even though we are told early on that this is “based on a true story” we can’t help but feel immersed in real-life interactions. This is assisted by the fact that many of the performers are in fact Ferreira’s family but the scenes feel so frank and honest that even the most seasoned cinephiles would be forgiven for labelling the piece a documentary (which it isn’t - although it is a bit!). 

Directory Samuel Kay Forrest knows when to use the power of the performances and when to rely on the arresting cinematography, generously provided by the stunning African landscapes - including a number of sunsets that are simply breathtaking. A particularly powerful sequence is when Eny has his fraught exchange, more like a verbal collision, with his father. The camera seems to want to lurk outside the scene, having back and even behind a wall at one point, with the voices playing alongside the sound of falling rain. It was a spectacularly filmed scene that provided the film’s most affecting moment. 

Ferreira’s deep voice is wonderful for the over voice, providing a thoughtful and strong grounding for the viewer to connect with this story. The narration also helps us keep up with things, as there are a lot of stories and family members being mentioned - it’s easy to lose track at times. 

The soundscape uses authentic sounds and songs that will captivate the viewer, enhancing the atmosphere. There are also whispering voices which sometimes accompany the scenes, these feel oddly comforting, when they could have been unnerving, and reflect Eny's heritage brilliantly. 

It's a brilliantly original film about identity and roots. The power of family, Africa, and staying connected to ancestors who live on through us.

Watch our Video Film Review for Orango on our YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GV2omCOwxXs