• Breathing Life into Stone

    Breathing Life into Stone



  • Breathing Life into Stone

    Breathing Life into Stone



  • Breathing Life into Stone

    Breathing Life into Stone



Breathing Life into Stone

by Katinka Zeuner

Breathing Life into Stone

2018 | 79:00 min

Original Title:
DER STEIN ZUM LEBEN

Content Categories

Documentary
In German cinemas now.
Synopsis
Stonemason Michael Spengler invites newly bereaved to join him on an artistic journey. Together they design headstones that tell of the deceased. Mr. and Ms. Neustadt have lost their son, his breath is to be represented in stone. Ms. Stolle dauntlessly swings the hammer that splits a boulder – two parts of her husbands life. The Jacob family searches for an essence of their grandfather's life. Michael accompanies each family with great sensitivity. The film follows this intimate process. As the stones take on their form, the families discover a new relationship with the deceased – and to life.

Jury Statement DOK Leipzig
We would like to award an Honorary Mention to Breathing Life Into Stone by Katinka Zeuner, who has portrayed the stonemason Michael Spengler who is not merely an artist and craftsman, but who also gently accompanies the mourners during farewell ceremonies. It deserves a particular mention that this film has been made without a sender, without a grant and without the support of a film university.
Festivals/Awards
2018
ver.di Prize for Solidarity, Humanity and Fairness & Honorable Mention – Goethe-Institut Documentary Film Prize – 61 DOK Leipzig

2019
Ecumenical Film Prize & Honorable Mention - Achtung Berlin
Cast and Crew
  • Director Katinka Zeuner
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