The Aroma of Tea

Colour, 35 mm
Netherlands, 2006, 4 min
Section: Focus on the Netherlands

Synopsis

This experimental animated film traces the journey of a small round object which resolutely overcomes all sorts of obstacles before coming to the end of its travels through the “labyrinth” and merging with a large white sphere… A remarkable symbolic film with a haunting rhythm set by a concerto grosso by Italian Baroque composer and violinist Arcangelo Corelli; the images aren’t painted with colour, but with tea.

About the director

Michael Dudok de Wit (b. 1953, Abcoude) is a director, animator and illustrator, whose ink drawings and watercolours are inspired by Chinese and Japanese art. He has made a series of award-winning commercials. The 6-minute film The Monk and the Fish (1994) won a César and was nominated for an Oscar. He won this award (along with dozens of others) for his 9-minute drama Father and Daughter (2000). He writes and illustrates children’s books and teaches animation at art schools and universities.