Post ‘This Is Not a Burial, It’s a Resurrection’ significant run for nominations at this year’s Academy Awards and Golden Globes; the film’s production company, Ucuru, launched the Lesotho film in South African cinemas this week.
The film is one of the last works of South African legendary actress Mary Twala. It first debuted at Sundance Film Festival in January of 2021 and received critical acclaims. Thus far, the film has been the only work of Masotho filmmaker to travel to international film festivals has screened at festivals in Montreal, Hong Kong, and Taipei.
The storyline follows an elderly widow, Mantoa (Played by Mary Twala), who grieves the loss of her son in the mountains of Lesotho. Mantoa devices her own death as she fantasises about resting with the rest of her family at her village’s cemetery. However, a dam reservoir that threatens to displace her village disrupts her plans. In the process of standing up for her community, Mantoa embraces a spirit of defiance and, in doing so, discovers her will to live.
In speaking about the film, Cait Pansegrouw, the film’s producer said, making the film was a fantastic journey and a privilege as the film went on to be recognised over the seas and on the continent. Pansegrouw highlighted how the film capture Ma’ Mary’s final feature performance and honoured that her legendary spirit will live through her fantastic performance of ‘This Is Not a Burial, It’s a Resurrection. Directed by Lemohang Jeremiah Mosese, the film stars prominent actors such as Jerry Mofokeng Wa Makhetha, Makhaola Ndebele, and Tseko Monaheng.
