Flora Gomes is one of the most recognized African filmmakers, know for the unique way in which he portrays Africa, by bringing together myth and contemporary history, merging elements with a delicate poetic quality and a deep universal sense.
"Nha Fala" (that means "My Voice" in creole) is a 2002 feature film, coproduced between Portugal, France, and Luxembourg.
The film is a musical comedy about a young creole woman who has breached a cultural taboo. The transgression is symbolic: instead of confronting death, she is confronted with life. Instead of the foretold tragedy, it becomes instead an act of redemption that sets her free.
Following the acclaimed 1992 film "Os Olhos Azuis de Yonta" (The Blue Eyes of Yonta), "Nha Fala" deals with the issue of tradition and predestination within Guinean contemporary culture, and the youthful desire for self-expression.
“Whenever Africa is spoken about or depicted, it is always in terms of the aid we receive, war, people dying of starvation, sick people… I want people to see our Africa, the Africa of my dreams, the Africa that I love. It is a happy Africa, where people dance, where people can speak freely. That is why I made this film. It is my take on the future for a new generation." (Flora Gomes)
Gomes cowrote the script with Franck Moisnard, and invited artists and other professionals, such as: Manu Dibango (music), Clara Andermatt and Max-Laure Bourjolly (choreography), Edgar Moura (cinematography), Pierre Donadieu (sound designer), Véronique Sacrez (sets), or Rosário Moreira and Virginia Wogwill (costumes), amongst others.