Maona Presents Buladó, with an intro from founder and curator Tatenda Jamera.    

Directed by award-winning Dutch/Curaçaoan filmmaker Eché Janga, Bulado was selected as the Dutch entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 93rd Academy Awards.

This magic realist tale from Curacao tells the story of 11-year-old girl Kenza who is determined to find her own path into adulthood, as she is torn between her agnostic father and her spiritual grandfather.  

Kenza, young and headstrong, lives on a junkyard in the countryside of Curaçao with her father, Ouira, and grandfather, Weljo. The two men are true polar opposites: Ouira is a determined, rational police officer, while Weljo identifies with the island’s spirituality and native inhabitants. As Weljo wishes to prepare his passing to the world of spirits, the relationship between Ouira and Weljo starts to escalate and eleven-year-old Kenza searches for her own path between the two extremes. The down-to-earth mentality of Ouira no longer offers her all that she needs and, slowly, she opens up to the more mystical and comforting traditions of her grandfather.

Maona is commited to its audience to experience, enjoy and value the rich heritage and culture of Africa through the exhibition and production of African cinema and films from African creatives and those in the diaspora. Maona, pronounced Ma-ona is a Shona word from Zimbabwe meaning you have seen. This name was chosen because we are passionate about others being able to see and experience African stories through the beauty of film and art. Africa comes with an undeniable rich and exciting heritage that has yet to be experienced.We are confident that Maona will be a place where one will get to experience, appreciate and value this beautiful culture.