Ever since its 30-year civil war ended in April 2002, the country of Angola has been struggling to piece itself back together.

Zézé Gamboa

Director Zézé Gamboa's beautifully-crafted film The Hero is emblematic of this national effort.

Indeed, its extraordinary level of accomplishment heralds a new era of Angolan cinema.

Gamboa, director of the film, has stated that he considers himself in the camp of African filmmakers who see their work as contributing directly to the task of national reconstruction.

Bolstered by a talented cast led by the magnificent Milton Coelho, Gamboa deftly weaves together these stories in a way that creates a nuanced portrait of contemporary life in Angola.

Hero has already won the Grand Prize in the World Dramatic Competition at this year's Sundance Film Festival.