The Cord of Life + The Water Murmurs | SproutsFF23

The Cord of Life / Qi Dai by Sixue Qiao

Amsterdam Premiere | 2022 | China | 96 minutes 

debut – out of competition

When his mother is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease electronic music artist ALUS returns from the big city to the rural area of his upbringing to spend her last days together and spare his caretaking brother. A love letter to cultural roots and a nomadic way of life ensues through striking vistas of Inner Mongolia and traditional music, songs and dresses. 

As a component of the Eco Shorts program, The Water Murmers will be screened prior to the screening of The Cord of Life.

The Water Murmurs / Hai Bian Sheng Qi Yi Zuo Xuan Ya by Story Chen

Dutch Premiere | 2022 | China | 15 minutes

eco shorts program

With the threat of ecological collapse becoming more and more real by the day, what will remain of our social contracts when faced with unprecedented natural disasters? This beautifully orchestrated and melancholic vision of the future leaves room for hope. Rightfully awarded the Palme d’Or for Best Short Film.  

This film is part of Sprouts Film Festival 2023, which will be held May 10-14. For more information about our festival and the SproutsFF23 films , click here. All selected feature films are competing for the Audience Award, so please do not forget to cast your vote when leaving the screening room. A three-headed jury consisting of industry professionals is in charge of selecting a winner from the films in the Debut Competition, while a three-headed jury of sustainability oriented students will do the same for the Eco Competition and the Eco Shorts Program.

*All SproutsFF23 films are English subtitled, except for How to Blow Up a Pipeline and Vesper (which are English spoken and Dutch subtitled).