See THIS IS NOT A BURIAL, IT'S A RESURRECTION for Free!

March 10, 2021 - 2:29pm
Posted by Jim Healy

THIS IS NOT A BURIAL, IT'S A RESURRECTION

The Cinematheque has partnered with WUD Film Committee to bring you another in our series of free, view-at-home movies. Beginning at 12 a.m. on Thursday, March 11, we are offering a limited number of viewing opportunities for the acclaimed African production, This is Not a Burial, It's a Resurrection. Lemohang Jeremiah Mosese's drama screened to great critical acclaim at last year's Sundance and Venice Film Festivals and was also a selection of the 2020 Wisconsin Film Festival.

This is Not a Burial will be available for screening until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, March 14. See below for instructions on how to access the movie for free. On Saturday, March 13 at 1 p.m., writer/director Lemohang Jeremiah Mosese will participate in a live discussion and Q&A moderated by the Cinematheque's Mike King. You can join this Zoom session here. Instructions on how to access the Q&A will also be provided to anyone requesting to view the movie. The Cinematheque will later provide the audio portion of this discussion and Q&A as an episode of our Cinematalk podcast.

THIS IS NOT A BURIAL, IT'S A RESURRECTION (Lesotho, South Africa, Italy | 2019 | 120 min. | Southern Soto with English subtitles | Director: Lemohang Jeremiah Mosese)

Manota’s not about to budge for anyone, least of all some pesky government officials who want to relocate her entire community just to make way for a dam. This tough woman has spent all of her 80 years in her remote village in the mountains of Lesotho and is resolved to stay put even after her death. Her standoff is at the center of this stunningly crafted cinematic experience, which director Lemohang Jeremiah Mosese based on the life of his grandmother. The premise may be rooted in reality, but Mosese treats it with a visionary style, heightening this fable-like tale through an exceptionally rich combination of sound and image. This first narrative feature by a native Lesotho director introduces a vital new voice in global art cinema. Special Jury Award for Visionary Filmmaking, 2020 Sundance Film Festival. (Mike King)

“Every once in a while, a movie reinvigorates one’s faith in the artistic capacity of an entire medium through pure intuition of form and mastery of intent… This Is Not A Burial, It’s A Resurrection is that rare gem of a film that falls into an unclassifiable category” (The Playlist).

“Unforgettable. Mosese’s mise-en-scène and camerawork are breathtaking” (Slant). 

To receive instructions on how to view This is Not a Burial at home, send an email to info@cinema.wisc.edu and simply remember to include the word LESOTHO in the subject line of the email. No further message is necessary.

Stay healthy and safe. We value your support for the Cinematheque and we look forward to being able to watch movies with you soon in the proper cinematic settings of 4070 Vilas Hall and the Chazen Museum of Art.