As worlds collide in a story of faith, determination and hope, one man is guided towards his destiny by forces beyond his control.
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THE SUSPENDED MAN (2022)
A Poetic Visual JourneyThe Suspended Man (2022) is a visually arresting short film and the directorial debut of Bruce Crossey, who also wrote and produced the film alongside co-director and producer Shane Comley-White. Narrated by Academy Award nominee Eric Roberts, the film is a lyrical meditation on faith, determination, and the unseen forces that guide us toward purpose.
Set within South Africa’s urban townships, The Suspended Man is a poetic exploration of a man caught between despair and destiny. Through evocative imagery and raw visual textures, the film reveals life’s invisible strings pulling us toward hope. Inspired by Crossey’s poem of the same name, the film invites audiences to reflect on the fragile balance between stagnation and the pursuit of meaning.
With a runtime of 6 minutes and 31 seconds, the film blends drama, experimental cinema, and visual poetry into a deeply immersive experience. Enatio Mathavela, in his debut acting role, delivers a quietly powerful performance as the titular character, supported by Michelle van der Nest as a corporate executive whose presence underscores the film’s socio-economic contrasts. Academy Award Nominee Eric Roberts’ narration lends a resonant emotional gravity that elevates the film’s universal themes.
Following its completion, The Suspended Man enjoyed a successful international film festival run, culminating in its African homecoming as an Official Selection of the Joburg Film Festival (2023)—the continent’s most prestigious film festival. The film has since screened on the Comic Con Africa Main Stage (2024) and received official selections at Festival Angaelica (2023) and First Time Filmmaker Sessions (2022).
Critical Response & Media Coverage
At a private preview screening held in Wynberg, audiences from all backgrounds responded with enthusiastic applause following the closing credits. In coverage of the event, guests praised the film’s emotional resonance and poetic storytelling.
“The movie was emotive. It stresses the differences of people and their surroundings while wanting the goodness out of life. We might all be in the same storm, but we’re not in the same boat.”
— Nikki Paarman, Preview GuestReview coverage highlighted the film’s intimate power and its ability to connect deeply with viewers through image and voice. Director Bruce Crossey also shared the personal moment that inspired the film—witnessing a man walking with quiet determination despite visible hardship—a reflection that became the emotional foundation of the story.
Media interviews, including features in Skyways Magazine, further explored the filmmakers’ organic, low-budget approach, their commitment to local storytelling, and the creative origins of The Suspended Man. The production has been praised for its authentic use of real locations in Alexandra, Thembisa, Braamfontein, and Sandton, and for showcasing South African stories through a globally resonant cinematic lens.
At its core, The Suspended Man is a meditation on resilience—an intimate reflection on identity, hope, and the human spirit’s ability to endure when suspended between where we are and who we are meant to become.
Links:
Comic Con Africa Panel: https://youtu.be/EEBx7mHMfqg
IMDb page: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt17297154/?ref_=nm_knf_t_1
Sandton Chronicle Review: https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/news-headlines/local-news/2022/09/12/dynamic-duo-surprise-guests-with-movie-narrated-by-eric-roberts/
SkyWays Magazine Feature: https://www.skywaysmagazine.co.za/magazine/july-2024/
Film Information
Genre: Short Film | Drama | Experimental | Poetry
Directors & Producers: Bruce Crossey, Shane Comley-White
Writer: Bruce Crossey
Narrator: Eric Roberts
Cast: Enatio Mathavela, Michelle van der Nest
Runtime: 6 min 31 sec
Year: 2022
Country: South Africa (RSA)
Language: English
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Audio: Stereo (2.0)
