Samuel Kay Forrest sets theatres alight with ‘Orango’

By Daisy Franklin, Film Daily News

Samuel Kay Forrest, the award-winning filmmaker behind HipBeat (2020), is back with his highly anticipated sophomore feature film, Orango. The drama is set for a limited theatrical release in Los Angeles on November 8th at the Cinelounge Theater, followed by its availability on Amazon via Indie Rights.

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Orango is a collaborative creation between Forrest and his close friend Staniel Ferreira, whose personal story inspired the narrative. The film explores themes of identity, belonging, and resilience through the lens of its protagonist’s journey across multiple countries and cultures. Forrest’s approach blends cinema vérité and fiction, allowing the narrative to unfold organically, reflecting the spontaneity and authenticity at the core of the story.

Orango’s authentic heart unveiled

“When he came to me with the idea for the film ORANGO over dinner in Berlin. We had just finished shooting a short film called Invisible Borders about refugees reuniting, which was touring festivals. I was immediately inspired by the bravery and authenticity of the story, and we started planning the shoot. Later that week, we started writing the outline of the story’s heart and the protagonist’s journey.”

Filming took place over 19 days in various locations, including Guinea-Bissau, West Africa, Berlin, Germany, and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The cinematography, helmed by Forrest himself, captures the raw beauty of these locations, while the cast—composed mainly of Ferreira’s family and friends—imbues the film with genuine heart and connection.

Forrest reflects on the collaborative nature of Orango in his director’s statement, sharing how the film’s authenticity is rooted in the strong relationships he and Ferreira cultivated with the local communities. The island of Orango, a matriarchal society where women are the leaders, adds a unique cultural backdrop to the narrative, further enhancing the film’s exploration of family, tradition, and leadership.

New vision in cinema

Following the success of HipBeat, which was released on platforms like Amazon, Mubi, and Tubi, Orango represents a new chapter in Forrest’s filmmaking journey. The film has already garnered interest from both indie film enthusiasts and critics alike, promising to be a thought-provoking and visually stunning addition to the indie film landscape.

Forrest, who studied at LACC film school after transitioning from theater in London, has a deep passion for storytelling that shines through in his work. With Orango, he has once again demonstrated his ability to bring personal, intimate stories to life on screen in a way that resonates with audiences across cultures and languages.

Catch Orango in theaters this November, and stay tuned for its release on Amazon through Indie Rights.

Cinema’s next bold step

Watch the official trailer here.

Samuel Kay Forrest is a filmmaker known for his authentic storytelling and bold cinematic style under his Mother Earth Films Ltd. This international production company focuses on inclusive storytelling and raising awareness of voiceless communities worldwide. His debut feature, HipBeat, garnered critical acclaim, and his upcoming third film, set in Los Angeles, is slated for release in 2025.