The late Mary Twala Mhlongo gives a heartbreaking career-capping performance as Mantoa, an 80-year-old woman who has lived in a small Lesotho village for her entire life. While preparing for her own death, she receives word of an accident that has killed her only son, leaving her entirely alone, with only the respect of her community, the traditions of her ancestors, and the courage of her convictions. When her community must relocate to make way for a nearby dam which would flood her family’s burial ground, Mantoa draws a line in the sand and becomes an unlikely political and spiritual leader.
Feb 28: Intro by curator Fegor Obuwoma
In a tragically lyrical story on grief and displacement, Mosese frames land, culture, and history as intertwined in the journey of a person and community. Mantoa, our protagonist, grapples with the pains of this world and the next, acting as intermediary and anchor for a community and way of life under attack. This Is Not a Burial; It’s a Resurrection offers that within the disasters of life there are still radical moments for renewal.
Fegor Obuwoma, …to glimpse: African Cinema Now! Curator
Between the textures of Twala’s aged but defiant face and the deep, contemplative landscapes behind her, I doubt you’ll see more beautiful and awe-inspiring images this year.
Radheyan Simonpillai, NOW Toronto
Breathtaking.
Diego Semerene, Slant magazine
A radical international breakthrough for Lemohang Jeremiah Mosese, a filmmaker who uses potential philosophical expressions to ask tough questions about the ravaged history of Africa.
Carlos Aguilar, rogerebert.com
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Lemohang Jeremiah Mosese
Mary Twala Mhlongo, Jerry Mofokeng Wa Makhetha, Makhaola Ndebele , Tseko Monaheng, Siphiwe Nzima
Lesotho/South Africa
2019
In Sesotho with English subtitles
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Credits
Screenwriter
Lemohang Jeremiah Mosese
Cinematography
Pierre De Villiers
Editor
Lemohang Jeremiah Mosese
Original Music
Yu Miyashita
Production Design
Leila Walter
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