A poignant documentary titled An Open Field, directed by Teboho Edkins and produced by his father, Don Edkins, will have its world premiere at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) on Sunday. This 38-minute film deeply explores the aftermath of the tragic crash of a Boeing 737 MAX in March 2019, which claimed the lives of all 157 passengers, including Teboho’s younger brother, Max Thabiso Edkins.
The film chronicles the journey of Teboho and Don Edkins as they travel to the crash site in Ethiopia. Their intention is to find solace and something tangible in their grief. The synopsis reveals that they encounter a local community where mourning is a significant cultural aspect. Similar to the Edkins family, the villagers’ lives were profoundly impacted by the crash. The community members welcome the filmmakers, treating the victims as guests who have been embraced as part of their extended family. This compassionate response sharply contrasts with the actions of the airplane manufacturer, Boeing.
Teboho Edkins reflects on his initial reluctance to create the documentary. He states, “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.” His father, Don, felt compelled to undertake a film project that would highlight the injustices surrounding the tragedy.
Initially, Teboho resisted the idea, but as time passed, he found it increasingly difficult to begin the project. He noted that access to the crash site was highly restricted. After considerable effort from Don to build relationships, Ethiopian Airlines granted them exclusive filming permission in 2022.
Don Edkins elaborates on his motivations: “I wanted to make a film about the crash that would highlight the injustice that took so many lives. Having grown up under apartheid in South Africa, I have always viewed documentary cinema as a means to spotlight injustice and human rights.” He recalls visiting the crash site on the first anniversary of the tragedy in March 2020, where he witnessed the local community come together to mourn. “It was a powerful moment,” he says. “Such pure humanity stood in stark contrast to Boeing’s widely criticized actions, including the use of a flawed flight-control system.”
The film features a mix of color and black-and-white footage, with dialogues in both English and Amharic, showcasing the emotional depth and cultural context of the events. An Open Field will screen as part of the IDFA 2025 Competition for Short Documentary program, promising an intimate and moving exploration of loss and community resilience.
In an exclusive clip released by The Hollywood Reporter, an eyewitness to the crash recounts his experience, underscoring the film’s emotional weight. The filmmaker’s personal note at the end of the clip poignantly states, “The film I didn’t want to make,” encapsulating the complex emotions surrounding this project.
As the documentary prepares for its premiere, it stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in the face of tragedy and the enduring bonds formed in the wake of loss.
