Directed by Phill Graaf, ‘Eutierria’ is a short documentary that follows a group of friends and their shared passion for ice bathing amongst nature. Narrated by Graaf, a filmmaker and nature enthusiast, the film documents their mental and physical endurance and their unity amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. “Eutierria”, coined by Australian philosopher Glenn A. Albrecht, meaning: A positive feeling of oneness with the earth and its life forces where the boundaries between self and the rest of nature are obliterated and a deep sense of peace and connectedness pervades consciousness. Graaf has created an extraordinary film with breathtakingly cinematography throughout. Additional cast include; Philipp Grüll, Sarah Mohr, Yasmine Toubel, Yunus Amer, Claudio Wittmann, Michaela Wittmann, V. Loskutova and Markus Meyer.
The 31-minute opens with an introduction to Phill and how the COVID-19 pandemic sparked an urge to bathe in the lake – with the goal to test his mental and physical perseverance. After inviting close friends to join him, he began taking footage of their weekly bathing experiences. Despite the increasingly harsh climate, the group maintained liveliness – which grew into an unanticipated community of ice-bathers. As winter swept Berlin, the frozen lake triggered additional challenges, particularly with safety and stamina. Limits are pushed when Graaf decides to introduce night bathing.
In spite of harsh filming conditions, the production appears effortless from start to finish – complimenting Graaf’s skillful cinematography. The documentary is produced using spectacular drone footage, coupled with handheld camera rigs. Every shot is certain to captivate the audience. Post-production color-grading, music and editing result in a highly professional finish. ‘Eutierria’ is a powerful documentary that will inspire, motivate and gratify. Highly recommended.
