Archive of films Like an Island / L' îlot
Switzerland
2022, 104 min
Section:
Special Screenings
Year: 2022
A view of a microcosm reflecting the nuances of human coexistence in Europe, or a playful mystery full of amusing, open-ended plot lines? Perhaps it’s both. An observational documentary and also a magical realist visit to the Lausanne suburbs where, for some unknown reason, two watchmen are guarding a small river in a nearby park.
Synopsis
The low blocks of flats on the outskirts of Lausanne are inhabited by a colourful assortment of tenants. Pensioners look silently out of their windows, perhaps with a sense of foreboding, while a lively little group of immigrants meet up in someone’s back garden. However, we spend most of our time with two watchmen who, for some unknown reason, are guarding a river in a nearby park. Has a crime been committed? Is danger lurking there? This serene observational documentary blends with the magical realist narrative line, creating an unusual hybrid form. The microcosm of a small neighbourhood conveys the nuances of human coexistence in Europe, but there’s nothing to prevent you from enjoying the film as a playful mystery full of amusing, open-ended plot lines.
Martin Horyna
About the director

Tizian Büchi (1981, Neuchâtel, Switzerland). Filmography: To the Top (On avait dit qu'on irait jusqu'en haut, 2015, short), The Sound of Winter (La Saison du silence, 2017, short doc.), Like an Island (L'îlot, 2022, doc.).
Contacts
Filmotor
Kaprova 42, 110 00, Praha
Czech Republic
Tel: +420 721 006 421
E-mail: [email protected]
www: www.filmotor.com
About the film
Color, DCP
International premiere
Section: | Special Screenings |
---|---|
Director: | Tizian Büchi |
Screenplay: | Tizian Buchi |
Dir. of Photography: | Camille Sultan, Diana Vidrascu |
Sound: | Adrien Kessler, Yatoni Roy Cantu |
Editor: | Thomas Marchand |
Producer: | Britta Rindelaub |
Production: | Alva Film |
Sales: | Filmotor |
Guests

Tizian Büchi
Film Director

Hannah Klaas
Assistant Director