According to the myth, the island of Gotland in Sweden was discovered by a man called Tjelvar. Back then, the island was so enchanted that it disappeared beneath the waves every day, re-arising during the night. Tjelvar was the first to bring fire to the island, and after that it never sank again. This myth forms the basis of a speculative documentary about the ever-changing relationship between man and nature.
Artist Sam Smith, who is from Australia, has worked with the various communities on this Swedish island, and in Lithic Choreographies he focuses on the minerals that circulate here in economic, cultural and agrarian contexts. The camera calmly scans the landscape; scientists and farmers have their say. Every now and then, the thundering sound of the working quarry clashes with the quiet of nature. A dancer and a roaming rock seem to move between these worlds.
Trailer
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Film details
- Countries of production
- Sweden, UK
- Year
- 2018
- Festival edition
- IFFR 2019
- Length
- 51"
- Medium/Format
- DCP
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