MOVIE REVIEW
The Nights Still Smell Of Gunpowder (As Noites Ainda Cheiram a Pólvora)
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 32m
Director(s): Inadelso Cossa
Language: Tsonga & Portuguese with English subtitles
Where To Watch: international premiere at the 2024 CPH:DOX Film Festival

RAVING REVIEW: For the first time, Inadelso Cossa steps into the director's shoes, presenting THE NIGHTS STILL SMELL OF GUNPOWDER. This film ventures deep into the heart of Mozambique's tumultuous history. With a blend of documentary realism and the imaginative flair of narrative fiction, Cossa spins a web of stories that captivate as much as they educate. It's a gripping, albeit sometimes leisurely-paced, ride through the memories and scars of a nation's past, inviting viewers to immerse themselves fully in the experience.

Cossa's debut is a visual and emotional odyssey. It transports us back to his family's roots and utilizes a rich palette of cinematic techniques to resurrect the echoes of Mozambique's civil conflict. The imagery of a child dreaming of flight and lovers torn apart by war leaps off the screen, transforming historical recollection into something palpably present and intensely powerful.

What truly sets THE NIGHTS STILL SMELL OF GUNPOWDER apart is its unique storytelling. Cossa weaves together a mix of interviews, archival clips, and reenactments, allowing audiences a glimpse behind the camera. This peek into the creative process doesn't just break the fourth wall—it invites viewers to step through it, engaging with the film on a level that transcends traditional viewing. Including real-time directorial decisions and unfiltered questions infuses the narrative with an unparalleled sense of authenticity and participation.

Yet, this film walks a razor's edge, balancing illuminating insights and a maze of ambiguity. Its thoughtful tempo and fluid boundary between fact and fiction might differ from everyone's cup of tea, especially for those who prefer their stories straight-up, without a twist. The second half, in particular, is like wandering through a beautifully dense fog, where only some viewers will find their way clear.

Despite the occasional navigational hazard, THE NIGHTS STILL SMELL OF GUNPOWDER offers a profound meditation on the act and impact of remembrance. Cossa, drawing inspiration from giants in the field yet forging his path, explores the haunted landscapes of Mozambique with a delicate touch, probing the intricate dance between memory and oblivion.

Visually, the film plays with contrasts, casting the nocturnal mystery against the clarity of day. Although Cossa tips his hat to his influences, there's a sense of searching for a visual signature that fully encapsulates his narrative ambition, particularly in marrying the dramatic moods of night and day.

This isn't just a history lesson; it's a significant contribution to the language of film, daring to tackle the weighty themes of memory, loss, and the quest for meaning. It challenges the audience to see history not as a static, forgotten chapter but as a vibrant, shaping force of the present.

Navigating the ethical minefields of documentary filmmaking, Cossa demonstrates a keen sensitivity to the power of storytelling. This balance underscores the filmmaker's profound responsibilities and cinema's potential to bridge understanding and empathy.

THE NIGHTS STILL SMELL OF GUNPOWDER is a bold exploration that stares into the face of the past, illuminating the complex interplay of memory and resilience. Demanding patience and an open heart, it rewards viewers with a deep, provocative experience. As Cossa continues to document the stories of his homeland, he establishes himself as a filmmaker of remarkable depth, capable of capturing the nuances of history and memory with a discerning and empathetic eye.

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[photo courtesy of 16MM FILMES, STAER]

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