Homosexual men in South Africa are still vilified and criticized by their communities . The ritual practise of ‘ Ulwaluko ’ is a highly respected and sacred cultural practice among the Xhosa and some Nguni speaking peoples of South Africa . It has been alleged that the impact of the practice may threaten the self-esteem of a homosexual young man , although it is not compulsory for any person to go to the ' mountain ' . Some homosexual men who partook in this ritual reported doing so in order to receive personal validation of cultural manhood , the same can be said of heterosexual uncircumcised men . Other reasons for partaking in Ulwaluko include fulfilling the desire to meet societal expectations as well as pressure from family to ‘ convert ’ to heterosexuality through the process of Ulwaluko . The Film ‘ The Wound ’ premiered at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival and is inspired by Thando Mgqolozana novel ‘ A man who is not a man ’ which focuses on the experiences of homosexual men during ‘ Ulwaluko ’ . Xhosa traditional leaders criticized the film as being ‘ disrespectful ’ , ‘ undermining Xhosa culture ’ as it showcased hidden traditions . It in fact reveals nothing of the Xhosa people . The film has been compared to the Oscar winning '' Moonlight '' . The practice of ' ulwaluko ' is furthermore governed by several pieces of legislation to promote the safety and protection of underage initiates who have fallen victim to unhygienic practices at illegal initiation schools , these laws include the South African Constitution ( 1996 ) , the Children ’s Act ( 2005 ) , the ( Eastern Cape ) Application of Health Standards in Traditional Circumcision Act ( 2001 ) , and the Traditional Health Practitioners ’ Act ( 2004 )
2017 Sundance Film Festival
2017 Sundance Film Festival
Ulwaluko