Netflix Adds 'an open field' to Library Starting December 1

A 38-minute documentary titled 'an open field' will debut on Netflix on December 1. The film offers a global audience a look at the aftermath of the March 2019 Boeing 737 MAX crash in Ethiopia. The disaster killed 157 people shortly after takeoff from Addis Ababa. The project moves from the festival circuit to major streaming platforms as part of its distribution plan.

The film was created by director Teboho Edkins. He lost his older brother, Max Thabiso Edkins, in the accident. The narrative focuses on the experience of mourning within the Edkins family and the local village near the crash site. The title refers to the specific location where the aircraft went down. For one month after the tragedy, residents stood vigil at the site to protect and preserve it. Years later, these villagers still join family members in mourning at that location.

Don Edkins, the director's father, co-produced the film alongside Carine Chichkowsky. The production involves partners from South Africa, France, and Germany. Day Zero Film and Video Productions in South Africa, Day Zero Films UG in Germany, and Survivance in France are the production companies involved. The technical crew includes cinematographer Jide Akinleminu and editor Anne Fabini. The film uses both color and black-and-white imagery. Dialogue is presented in English and Amharic to reflect the local context.

The documentary won the best short documentary prize at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam in 2025. This award preceded its arrival on streaming services. The film contrasts the enduring kindness of the local community with the widely criticized reaction of the aircraft manufacturer. It presents moments of warmth, fear, and patience that emerged in the aftermath of the crash. The storytelling relies on observation rather than dramatic narration.

Teboho Edkins described the project as a delicate work that addresses fundamental aspects of being human. He expressed hope that the film would reach a wide audience. Edkins noted his gratitude for Netflix's support in helping the film reach global viewers. The director aimed to connect with the spirit of his deceased brother and son through the cinematic process.

The passengers on the ill-fated flight hailed from more than 30 different countries. This international mix of victims allows the film to resonate with viewers who do not have a direct connection to the specific event. The film aims to transcend geographical boundaries by focusing on the universal experience of losing a loved one. It functions as a family-centered project that connects personal loss with communal healing.

The release coincides with the exclusive premiere of its trailer by The Hollywood Reporter. The promotional material provides a first look at the visual style and narrative tone of the documentary. The film invites viewers to sit with the emotions of survivors and community members. These individuals remained connected to the site long after the immediate crisis had passed.

The project stands as a tribute to the victims of the 2019 crash and the people who cared for them. It joins a growing number of documentary shorts on major streaming platforms. These works often explore specific historical or personal events. The success at IDFA suggests a strong reception from industry professionals. The transition to Netflix signals commercial interest in intimate, character-driven nonfiction.

The film's approach provides a unique look at how communities process tragedy. It shows how people support one another in the face of devastating loss. The sustained focus on the aftermath offers a nuanced perspective on grief. It combines personal loss with communal healing in a quiet and observational style.