Moonwake Brewery, in Edinburgh, is to screen a film made by a South African brewer and film-maker Obakeng Malope, in association with Women in Beer.
Obakeng Malope
Mamogaswa is a deeply personal documentary that blends two rich traditions from Obakeng’s heritage — the art of storytelling and traditional beer brewing.
She belongs to the Tswana tribe, the majority population in Jericho and the North West Province of South Africa regions shaped by the legacy of apartheid-era segregation.
“Growing up, 7pm was a sacred time when we would gather around the fire and listen to folk tales passed down by our grandmothers,” said Obakeng. “These stories, often about animals, taught us moral lessons and cultural values.
“One legend that has endured through generations is that of Mamogaswa — a mythical creature believed to be part-human, part-snake, or mermaid-like, who lives in rivers and dams. She is said to appear in the form of a tornado when angered, uprooting rooftops and causing havoc.
“Our grandmothers were also traditional beer brewers, making Bojalwa ba Setswana using open fires, not stoves. Brewing was a communal activity, one that we children watched. Sadly, as the elders pass on, these practices and stories are fading.”
Mamogaswa captures these cultural traditions while exploring the intersection of folklore, heritage, and modern craft beer. The documentary showcases both traditional and craft beer brewing in South Africa, weaving it together with the myth of Mamogaswa and the disappearing art of oral storytelling.
Amelie Tassin, founder of Women in Beer, has led the initiative to screen Mamogaswa at Moonwake Brewery on 18th September. There is the option of a £20 ticket, with a first drink included, or pay what you can.
