Silence of the Tides
A poetic portrait of the Wadden Sea without voice over or interviews in which the continuous ‘breathing cycle’ of the Wad is central.
With its glorious sunsets, diverse wildlife, and landscapes that change twice a day, the Wadden Sea has proven itself to be a photogenic place. Yet the largest tidal wetland in the world has never been depicted as breathtakingly as it is here. In SILENCE OF THE TIDES, director Pieter-Rim de Kroon lets the images speak for themselves. As in DUTCH LIGHT, which won him a Golden Calf in 2003, he often leaves the camera in a fixed position for extended periods to capture stunning scenes of nature.
Shots from different times of day merge into each other almost imperceptibly, so a dry seabed magically changes into a rippling expanse of water. Sophisticated sound design and the interplay of light complete the wonder.
Military exercises, newborn lambs, mating oysters—all this life passes by without commentary. Over four seasons, the tides, people, and wildlife constantly come and go. A beautifully designed portrait of pulsating nature that invites viewers to find their own associations and meaning. (IDFA)