
By Stephen Aspeling25 January 2022
Review: This Is Not A Burial, It’s A Resurrection
This Mosotho drama doesn’t bow to storytelling convention, highlighting the natural flair and talents of writer-director Lemohang Jeremiah Mosese, a self-taught filmmaker whose drive and inspiration powers this inventive, original and layered drama.
Carving his own path, Mosese has created his own filmic language to tell this haunting tale about straddling the past and progress. We accompany Mantoa, an 80-year-old widow, who finds a new sense of purpose and passion that sparks a community to action when their homeland is threatened by a dam development.
This Is Not A Burial, It’s A Resurrection is essentially a deconstruction of a funeral, unpacking themes around inheritance, legacy and religion. The drama also carries rich socio-political undertones gently interlacing timely African narratives around imperialism and land ownership.
Mary Twala in her final performance adds depth, honouring one of several superb casting decisions with a spirited lead performance. While gracing almost every frame in her swan song, she’s supported by the likes of Jerry Mofokeng and Makhaola Ndebele.
Its dark, unsettling mood and use of sound seems to have been influenced by the work of the legendary David Lynch. In this surreal atmosphere, Mosese allows haunting scenes to unfurl like paintings. This Is Not A Burial, It’s A Resurrection has been beautifully photographed, and its thoughtful composition and mesmerising visuals resonate with the horror of Robert Eggers.

The storytelling is infused with poetry and powerful contrasts, allowing its dialogue to complement and compel the otherworldly feel of Mosese’s world. Set against the backdrop of Lesotho’s natural beauty, This Is Not A Burial, It’s A Resurrection immerses itself in the country’s rich culture and heritage.
The drama was ultimately selected as Lesotho’s first Best International Feature Film submission at the 93rd Academy Awards.
SA celebs open up about divorce on Untied
The action heats up on Empini
More Mzansi gold

Jojo dishes on her Real Housewives of Durban journey
Now that Season 5 of The Real Housewives of Durban has come to an end, Jojo opens up about her relationship with Nonku, and which cosmetic procedure is most like RHOD.

10 South African true-crime series, ranked
From The ABC Killer to Tracking Thabo Bester, these true-crime documentary series explore some of South Africa’s darkest crime stories – all available to stream on Showmax.

Must-watch trailer: upcoming Showmax reality show Vaal Riviera
Watch the explosive trailer for Vaal Riviera, a reality series following four families from the Vaal Triangle. Premiering 22 August on Showmax.

Christopher Reeve documentary on Showmax get four Emmy nods
South African producer Robert Ford discusses his Emmy-nominated documentary, Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story, which premieres on Showmax on Friday, 25 July 2025.