MOEDER, the latest short film from South African director Salomon Ligthelm, is a quietly devastating meditation on grief, loss, and the lingering aftermath of tragedy. Set against the backdrop of the Ukrainian-Russian conflict, the film takes a unique, ground-level approach to one of the most harrowing events of recent history: the downing of Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17 over Eastern Ukraine in 2014.

The narrative centers on a miner working on the Ukrainian-Russian border who stumbles upon a ringing cell phone in his backyard, a simple discovery that pulls him into a web of heart-wrenching emotion and unintended intimacy with the disaster. What could have been a straightforward recounting of a historical event becomes, in Ligthelm’s hands, a visceral yet intimate reflection on the human cost of war. The film is anchored by a standout performance from its lead, whose silent anguish conveys more than words ever could.

Ligthelm manages to demonstrate a visceral and meditative filmmaking style, blending pseudo-documentary realism with a touch of poetic surrealism. His choice to explore such a monumental tragedy through a personal, microcosmic lens makes the larger event feel more immediate and affecting. The film never sensationalizes; rather, it observes the minutiae of human emotion, the quiet tremors of despair, and the long-lasting echoes of trauma.

With its meticulously crafted visuals and poignant pacing, MOEDER has been making waves in the international film community, earning critical praise and qualifying for the 2025 Oscars. It’s a powerful reminder that cinema need not shout to make its presence felt – sometimes, the smallest moments speak the loudest.

Rating: 4/5

Sophie Muller