Nayola is a 2022 adult animated drama film directed by José Miguel Ribeiro in his directorial debut. It is based on the play A Caixa Preta by José Eduardo Agualusa & Mia Couto who co-wrote the script with Virgilio Almeida. It tells the story of 3 women from 3 generations who lived through the tragic period of the Angolan civil war. It is a co-production between Portugal, France, Belgium and the Netherlands.
Synopsis
Three generations of Angolan women in a 25-year civil war (1975-2002). Nayola goes to the interior of Angola during the Civil War, in search of her husband who was reported missing in action. Somehow, three people inadvertently connect to this quest.
Voice cast
The actors participating in this film are:
Elisângela Rita as Nayola
Feliciana Délcia Guia as Yara
Vitória Adelino Dias Soares as Avó Lelena
Marinela Furtado as Masked Man
Raul do Rosário as Shooter
Catarina André as Soldier Woman
Ângelo Torres as The Boy
Ciomara Morais as Rapariga
Diogo David
Correia Adão
Adorado Mara
Release
Festival
Nayola had its world premiere on June 13, 2022, at the 46th Annecy International Animation Film Festival, then screened on October 2, 2022, at the Hamburg Film Festival, on November 21, 2022, at the Bucheon International Animation Festival, on November 27, 2022, at the 33rd Singapore International Film Festival, on February 17, 2023, at the 42nd Brussels International Animated Film Festival, Anima and April 2, 2023, at the 47th Cleveland International Film Festival.
Theatrical
It was released commercially on March 8, 2023, in French theaters to then expanded to the Angolan market on March 31, 2023 and Portuguese market on April 13, 2023.
Reception
Critical reception
Wendy Ide from Screen International wrote: "Nayola is bold and thrilling storytelling which combines its forceful message about the legacy of living through war with an almost mythic quality." Rob Alan from Backseat Mafia wrote: "Nayola is a moving animation which tracks three generations of women and the impact the war has on their lives [...] is impeccably made, featuring some inventive and beautiful animation."