Soul of Soil
Country:
- Taiwan
Language:
- Mandarin
Subtitles:
- 英文
- Mandarin
Format:
- DCP
- Environment
- Ecology
- Land
- Agriculture
Synopsis
In the countryside of southern Taiwan, two men from different walks of life come together with a shared mission: to heal the land and bring life back to the soil.
A-ren once thrived in the fast-paced world of Hsinchu Science Park. Now, he devotes himself to transforming rotting vegetables into rich, organic compost. An-ho lets the grass in his orchard grow wild, moves caterpillars by hand, and naps in a hammock strung between trees, learning directly from nature. For him, farming is not just a job—it’s a way of life.
Their dream is humble yet profound: to revive tired land and help the soil breathe again. But nature is unpredictable, and the clash between ideals and reality is constant.
Director Statement
In a small auditorium, I once shared the dramatic key turning points in the life of the two protagonists. In just 10 or 20 minutes, alternate “seasonal changes” suddenly filled the small space. This seems to have reflected the ups and downs of the protagonists. However, it confuses me as well. What will embrace “Taiwan’s soil” in the future? Is it the spring breeze or the winter storm? The soil is sick. Although the cause was planted “in the past”, the result emerges “at present”. This may even relate to “the future”. Cultivating Soil is not only a touching story of two fools, but also a modern “fable” whispering “Soil Movement in Taiwan, Soil Movement in Taiwan”.
Festivals & Awards
2025 Taipei Film Awards - Nominated for Best Documentary
2024 Golden Horse Awards - Nominated for Best Documentary