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Film short abstract:

Soul Release follows DikweX, a South African healer, as he frees trapped Nama and Herero souls on Namibia’s Shark Island. Using sensory ethnography, the film blends sounds, textures, symbols, and unscripted voices to explore First Nation heritage, healing, and the spiritual power of rituals.

Film long abstract:

The film Soul Release explores the spiritual and cultural journey of DikweX, a healer and diviner from South Africa, as he performs rituals to release the trapped souls of the Nama and Herero people on Namibia’s Shark Island. Drawing on sensory ethnography, this study immerses viewers in the sounds, textures, and emotions of the ritual, using close-up visuals, ambient soundscapes, and symbolic objects to convey the spiritual depth of the experience. The film employs the “walk-with” technique, enabling viewers to journey alongside DikweX, engaging with the environment and ritual. Key symbols, including porcupine quills, fire, and traditional instruments, anchor the film in First Nation cultural heritage, enhancing the sensory connection to the sacred landscape. Balancing the desire to document with respect for cultural boundaries, the film reflects on the role of the community’s voice, captured through unscripted interviews. Through this approach, Soul Release serves as both a cultural record and a profound exploration of memory, healing, and resilience, making it a significant contribution to ethnographic filmmaking and documentary storytelling.