#NOWNESSASIAPresents: NEW! London-based filmmaker and photographer Arnaud Lin directs ‘Soil’, a performance film exploring the duality of identity as traditions transform with time. Shot on 16 mm and choreographed by Lin’s sister Mathilde – a dancer and resident artist at Rhizome Association in Burgundy, France – ‘Soil’ evokes the beautiful fragility of nature, which is marked by constant shifts and renewal.
Coming from a bicultural French and Chinese heritage, both Arnaud and Mathilde often struggle to find belonging in either culture. Soil began as an attempt to understand their roots, turning into a meditation on the role folk arts play in the modern era: connecting people with heritage, even as it evolves through duality. “I wanted to challenge the meaning of traditions today and our relationship to them.” 🪷
Tap the link in bio to watch the full film on NOWNESS ASIA 🎞️
Director & D.O.P @argh_no
Production @azadi_productions
Producer @julia_youplaboom
Assistant @adrienlin105
MUA + BTS Photographer @eden_hassellhoff
Editor @amyydone
Colourist @ikohchung
Choreography & performance @mathilde_lin
Score & Percussionist @sebastienforrester
Shot at @rhizomeassociation
Rehearsal @mc93bobigny
Wardrobe@maharishi
Shot on @kodak_shootfilm
Processed by: Kodak Film Lab London
Scanned by @digital_orchard
March 28 - DFP FILM FESTIVAL - Screening and Awards
OFFICIAL SELECTION – @dfpfilmfestival
Being tied to the land is not only a geographical identity, but a cultural one. The bond between people and soil lives through ritual — their meanings eroded, traded for a symbolic value we return to in times of uncertainty.
Inspired by the Shehuo tradition, Soil explores the movement of tradition through migration — what is carried, what is altered, and what remains.
Arnaud Lin directed a film shot entirely on 16mm, choreographed and performed by Mathilde Lin, scored by Sebastien Forrester.
We are proud to officially introduce SOIL as an Official Selection of DFP Film Fest.
Director/DOP: Arnaud Lin
Choreography / Performance: @mathilde_lin
Soundtrack / Percussionist: @sebastienforrester
Producer: @julia_fougeray at @azadi_productions
MUA: @eden_hassellhoff
Assistant: @adrienlin105
Editor: @amyydone
Colorist: @ikohchung
