IMDb 7 2017 HD

Vaya

Vaya

2017
Drama
110 min TV-MA USA
6.7 / 10
7 IMDB

Three separate stories create a gripping yet compassionate portrait of small-town characters immersed in the intimidating, alluring, and dangerous world of big-city Johannesburg and Soweto.

Personnel // Cast & Crew

Director Akin Omotoso
Starring
Warren Masemola / Harriet Lenabe / Mncedisi Shabangu / Phuthi Nakene / Zimkhitha Nyoka / Azwile Chamane-Madiba / Jabulani Mthembu / Nomonde Mbusi

How Viewers Describe This Film

Common themes and sentiments

gripping compassionate urban character-driven authentic layered ambitious insightful resonant emotional hopeful challenging

Reviews

I
Isabelle Dubois
Apr 15, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

In 'Vaya,' the city of Johannesburg becomes more than just a setting; it’s a living, breathing entity that shapes the destinies of its characters. The film’s structure, comprising three distinct but ultimately connected stories, is a clever device…

D
David Sterling
Apr 15, 2026
3.0 / 5
3.0

Vaya presents a bold narrative experiment, weaving together three separate threads within the sprawling urban environment of Johannesburg. The film’s strength lies in its ambition to capture the complexities of city life and the diverse experiences of its…

S
Sophia Chen
Apr 15, 2026
4.5 / 5
4.5

A truly captivating cinematic experience, 'Vaya' is a testament to the power of interconnected storytelling. The film’s ability to evoke the intoxicating allure and palpable threat of its urban setting is remarkable. Each of the three narratives unfolds…

M
Marcus Bellweather
Apr 15, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

This is a film that dares to look unflinchingly at the realities of city life, presenting Johannesburg and Soweto as vibrant yet formidable backdrops for personal dramas. 'Vaya' succeeds in its ambitious attempt to link three disparate tales,…

E
Eleanor Vance
Apr 15, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

Vaya's tripartite structure is its immediate triumph, offering a tapestry of urban existence that is both intimate and expansive. The film masterfully balances the inherent dangers of Johannesburg and Soweto with a profound sense of human connection and…

FAQs

The film's narrative is structured around three separate stories that converge, creating a layered and intricate plot. This approach allows 'Vaya' to explore multiple perspectives and character arcs simultaneously. By weaving these individual journeys together, the film builds a richer, more complex portrait of the characters and their interconnected experiences within the urban landscape.