"Lemohang Jeremiah Mosese's mise-en-scène and camerawork are breathtaking." - Diego Semerene, Slant Magazine

“Urgently intertwines magical realism in a parable of grief and resilience." - Robert Daniels, 812filmreviews

"This arresting third feature is as classical in theme as it is adventurous in presentation." - Guy Lodge, Variety

Deserving comparison with the work of Pedro Costa, Andrei Tarkovsky, and Souleymane Cissé, THIS IS NOT A BURIAL, IT'S A RESURRECTION marks the introduction of a major filmmaker and the final powerhouse performance of a remarkable actress. The late Mary Twala Mhlongo, recognizable from Beyoncé’s blockbuster musical BLACK IS KING, 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. Cryptic, impressionistic, and informed by magical realist literature, THIS IS NOT A BURIAL, IT'S A RESURRECTION contains some of the most striking visual compositions in contemporary cinema, all the more impressive considering this is the first feature-length film for both cinematographer Pierre de Villiers and production designer Leila Walter. The cumulative power of Mantoa’s sacrificial crusade, Mhlongo’s earthy performance, and Mosese’s visionary artistry announce an unmistakable landmark in African cinema. (Dekanalog)


Festivals, Awards & Nominations
Special Jury Prize for Visionary Filmmaking, Sundance Film Festival
Winner - Best Actress, Best Director, Best Cinematography, Africa Movie Academy Awards
Winner - FIPRESCI Prize, Hong Kong International Film Festival