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This Is Not a Burial, It's a Resurrection film image

This Is Not a Burial, It's a Resurrection

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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

 

Media Partner

Community Partner

Director

Lemohang Jeremiah Mosese

Cast

Mary Twala Mhlongo, Jerry Mofokeng Wa Makhetha, Makhaola Ndebele , Tseko Monaheng, Siphiwe Nzima

Credits
Country of Origin

Lesotho/South Africa

Year

2019

Language

In Sesotho with English subtitles

19+
120 min

Book Tickets

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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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