Amigo the Griot

South Africa

Amigo the Griot is a musical documentary blending intimate storytelling with the visual style of music videos. It follows Mario Laaistock, a blind hip-hop artist from Eersterivier, Cape Town, who reconnects with filmmaker Kurt Orderson to piece together his coming-of-age story and fragmented memories. A gifted lyricist, Amigo transforms emotion and experience into powerful music. As he confronts the life-changing event that shaped him, his journey reflects South Africa’s broader struggle with forgiveness, restorative justice, and healing.