An Open Field: Teboho Edkins' Personal Journey Through Grief and Loss
An Open Field, a poignant 38-minute documentary, is set to premiere at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) on Sunday. Directed by Teboho Edkins and produced by his father, Don Edkins, this film is a deeply personal exploration of the aftermath of a tragic plane crash.
In March 2019, a Boeing 737 MAX aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, claiming the lives of all 157 passengers, including Max Thabiso Edkins, the director's younger brother. This devastating event sparked a powerful response from Teboho and his father, who embarked on a journey to the crash site, seeking solace and understanding.
The film delves into a community where mourning is an integral part of their culture. The villagers, much like the Edkins family, have been profoundly affected by the crash. Through this experience, Teboho discovers a profound compassion within the community, as they treat the crash victims as visiting guests, welcoming them into their hearts as brothers and sisters. This contrasts sharply with the callous approach of the airplane manufacturer, Boeing, whose actions have been widely criticized.
Teboho Edkins shares his initial reluctance to work on this project, stating, 'The first time I visited the crash site, a giant crater in an open field, was shortly after the crash in 2019. Grief-stricken, I showed the local villagers sitting by the crater photos of my brother Max and realized that they had become the custodians of the site.'
Don Edkins, a documentary film producer, explains his motivation: 'I wanted to make a film that highlights the injustice that took so many lives. Growing up under apartheid in South Africa, I've always been inspired by documentary cinema's ability to shed light on injustice and human rights. I wanted to use activism and creativity to navigate our collective grief.'
The film's production team includes Carine Chichkowsky as a co-producer, Jide Akinleminu for cinematography, and Anne Fabini for editing. Shot in color and black-and-white, the film features dialogue in both English and Amharic. It will be screened in the IDFA 2025 Competition for Short Documentary program.
The clip reveals an eyewitness account of the plane crash, offering a raw and emotional perspective. At the end of the clip, Teboho Edkins adds a personal note: 'The film I didn't want to make.' This powerful statement encapsulates the director's complex emotions and the journey he embarked upon.
Don't miss the exclusive clip from An Open Field, available below, and witness the raw, emotional journey that Teboho Edkins and his father have bravely shared with the world.
