Pheello Mosesi
Lesotho filmmaker Moso Sematlane is set to debut his first short film, Molelekoa, at the 2024 Beijing International Short Film Festival (BISFF), taking place from November to December in Beijing, China.
The 28-year-old filmmaker, born in Maseru, is an alumnus of the Africa Film Drama Art (AFDA) School in South Africa. Molelekoa, a zero-budget experimental short film with a 21-minute runtime, showcases Sematlane’s unique vision and storytelling style.
Now in its thirteenth year, the 2024 BISFF is expected to captivate audiences with a wide array of thrilling films, including Molelekoa, which follows the journey of a man who, for unknown reasons, is banished from Maseru.
Despite his reluctance to leave, he is forced to flee from the police. Throughout the chase, various characters reflect on the experience of living in Maseru, discussing both its challenges and its allure.
Sematlane shared the inspiration behind Molelekoa, saying: “The concept came to me as I tried to express what it felt like to live in Maseru, and how, in a way, I felt the city was regressing. I had this dream of someone driving away from the police through the streets of Maseru, and I started jotting down ideas and images from there.”
Reflecting on the film’s selection at BISFF, Sematlane expressed his pride. “This film was made with no budget, so to have it selected at a festival I admire makes all the struggles in creating it worthwhile.”
Sematlane recounted his journey to becoming a filmmaker, noting that his passion for storytelling began early on from watching television.
“I was always interested in films, though I didn’t initially understand that there were people behind the camera making them. It wasn’t until I watched a behind-the-scenes interview of a DVD that I realised I could be one of those people. I started writing scripts in my teenage years and eventually enrolled in film school, where I discovered my love for directing, editing, and cinematography.”
Though Molelekoa is his first major production, Sematlane’s early work includes student films and Ziggy Stardust, a two-minute short film that reignited his creative drive after setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Ziggy Stardust taught me that I love directing, but it also showed me how crucial time is when making a film. You always have limited time on set due to budget constraints and other factors like daylight,” Sematlane explained.
Molelekoa features a talented cast, including Meshu Mokitimi, Khauhelo Seliane, Tebatso Molapo, Siphiwe Nzima, Lereko Mafethe, and Tlotliso Lesei. Sematlane wrote, directed, edited, and produced the 2022 film, which touches on themes such as Maseru’s regression, fear of technology, and the courage to break free from societal expectations. It also explores how art can be a way to transcend death.
“My goal is to have the film showcased at relevant festivals worldwide, and BISFF is just the start. I hope it will also screen at other festivals and eventually be shown in Lesotho,” Sematlane added, hinting at plans for an online release.
