He Dances For His Cormorants
(1994)
Also known as: Il Danse Pour Ses Cormorans
Winner of two Panda awards at Wildscreen 1994, Il Danse Pour Ses Cormorans (He Dances For His Cormorants) is an atmospheric account of China’s ancient and remarkable fishing traditions. Nestled at the foot of the Celestians mountains, local fisherman Zong Man carefully nurtures twelve cormorants, training them to fish for him on the majestic Lijiang River.
World-renowned documentary producer Frédéric Fougea brings to life this incredibly personal tale, as Man selects potential mates, screens eggs and eagerly awaits the day of hatching. Tranquil, dignified and with a vivid sense of place, stunning cinematography follows the remarkable relationships Man builds with his birds, using the ancient techniques passed down from his ancestors.
Beautifully filmed, Il Danse pour ses Cormorans is an enigmatic and deeply moving portrayal of an unique relationship between man and beast.
