“Ancestral Visions of the Future”, Interview with Director Lemohang Mosese

At the 75th Berlinale, director Lemohang Mosese presents his latest film, “Ancestral Visions of the Future“, a deeply personal and poetic meditation on memory, loss, and displacement. In this exclusive interview, Mosese reflects on his creative process, the interplay between text and image, and the emotional core of his work.

A Lamentation of Memory and Identity

Described by Mosese as a lamentation, “Ancestral Visions of the Future” explores the tension between childhood memories and the shifting reality of home. The film does not seek to reconstruct the past but rather to express the feeling of searching for something that no longer exists.

Cinema as Poetry

For Mosese, cinema is closer to poetry than prose. His approach to filmmaking is instinctive, fragmented, and deeply symbolic, embracing both real and imagined memories. He trusts his gut feeling, even when certain elements feel surreal or abstract.

A Tribute to Motherhood

A central theme in “Ancestral Visions of the Future” is the figure of the mother—both as a personal and symbolic presence. Mosese credits his mother with shaping his identity and artistic confidence, making the film a tribute to maternal love and resilience.

The Transformative Power of Cinema

Moses describes cinema as his saviour, a force that has shaped his life and given him a voice. Though he rarely watches films, he remains deeply connected to storytelling as a means of self-expression. “Ancestral Visions of the Future” is his most introspective work yet—a raw and unfiltered outcry that inv