Jonah 2013
"When two young men photograph a gigantic fish leaping from the sea, their small town becomes a tourist attraction in this story about the old and the new."
Jonah (2013), directed by visionary filmmaker Kibwe Tavares, is a mesmerizing fantasy short that blends myth and modern life in a coastal town.
Director: Kibwe Tavares
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jonah (2013) about?
Jonah follows two friends whose lives are upended when they photograph a massive fish that turns their quiet town into a tourist sensation. As years pass and their fortunes fade, they encounter the fish again—now old and forgotten—igniting a dark reckoning about dreams and disillusionment.
Who directed Jonah?
Jonah was directed by Kibwe Tavares, a filmmaker known for his evocative and visually rich storytelling.
Who stars in Jonah?
The film features Daniel Kaluuya and Malachi Kirby as Mbwana and Juma, alongside the legendary Louis Mahoney.
Is Jonah (2013) worth watching?
While Jonah is unrated on IMDb, its striking visuals, thematic depth, and emotive storytelling make it a compelling watch for fans of fantasy and allegorical cinema. Its short runtime packs a powerful punch, leaving a lasting impression.
How long is Jonah?
Jonah has a runtime of 17 minutes.
About Jonah (2013) — A Visually Stunning Fantasy Short About Ambition and Regret
Jonah (2013), directed by visionary filmmaker Kibwe Tavares, is a mesmerizing fantasy short that blends myth and modern life in a coastal town. The story follows Mbwana and his best friend Juma, two ambitious young men whose lives change forever when they capture a colossal fish leaping from the ocean on camera. The once-sleepy village explodes into a bustling tourist destination overnight, but the sudden fame and fortune come with unexpected consequences—especially for Mbwana, whose dreams of prosperity turn sour. Years later, as both the fish and Mbwana languish in obscurity and ruin, they cross paths again in a haunting confrontation that asks whether the past can ever truly be outrun.
Tavares crafts a visually stunning allegory about the tension between tradition and progress, memory and loss, using the symbol of the fish as both a beacon of hope and a harbinger of reckoning. With its dreamlike atmosphere and poetic storytelling, Jonah transcends its 17-minute runtime to deliver an unforgettable cinematic experience.