A doctor finds herself torn between science and spirituality in this atmospheric drama. Samehe (Amandina Lihamba) is a middle-aged woman who had been admitted to a psychiatric facility for women in East Africa; no one seems to know what's wrong with her, and no one is in a hurry to change that, especially Dr. Moshi (Thecla Mjatta), the self-centered head of the hospital known for his sexually aggressive attitude toward his patients. Second in command Dr. Odhiambo (Waigwa Wachira) is more compassionate, but can only do so much. Dr. Asira (Barbara O) is a doctor who was close friends with Odhiambo when they were both medical students; Asira has signed on as a member of the hospital's volunteer staff, and she develops a keen interest in Samehe's case. Samehe, who has been silent and under sedation since she was admitted, suddenly opens up to Asira, declaring that the new doctor was brought to her by Maangamizi (Mwanajuma Ali Hassan), a shaman and spiritual teacher only Samehe can see or hear. At first, Asira is certain that Samehe is delusional and can be successfully treated through psychotherapy, but in time the doctor wonders if there might be a kernel of truth in Samehe's story -- and if she might be ignoring her own spiritual dilemmas which conflict with the Western medical disciplines she has embraced. Maangamizi: The Ancient One features a score composed and compiled by Cyril Neville of the popular rhythm and blues group the Neville Brothers. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi