CEMETERY OF SPLENDOUR

In Khon Kaen in north-eastern Thailand, soldiers suffering from a mysterious sleeping sickness are moved to a makeshift hospital set up in a former school. The housewife Jenjira (Jenjira Pongpas), who helps as a volunteer, watches over Itt, a young soldier whom no one visits. She befriends the young medium Keng, who helps relatives speak with the sleeping men. Gradually it emerges that the illness is connected to the site: beneath the school lies an ancient place from mythical times. “Cemetery of Splendour” (Thailand 2015) by Apichatpong Weerasethakul tells of healing, magic and a late affection.

Weerasethakul directs in long, calm shots in which dream and everyday life merge without a break. It premiered on 18 May 2015 in Cannes in the Un Certain Regard section; Asia Pacific Screen Award for Best Film. Cahiers du Cinéma placed it second, Sight & Sound fifth, on their year-end lists for 2015. The film was shown at Around the World in 14 Films in Berlin in 2015.

Shown at the 2015 edition of Around the World in 14 Films.

All films 2015 · Film Archive