THE ICE BUILDERS
Francesco Clerici, Tommaso Barbaro / India, Italy / 2024 / 15 min / Colour
The melting of glaciers is a reality that even the people of Ladakh, in Tibet, must face. In the remote and arid Zanskar Valley, situated between 3,000 and 7,000 meters above sea level, the steady retreat of the ice threatens the cultivation of crops. Each spring, the glaciers melt and release the water needed for farming. But this vital resource is increasingly scarce, prompting locals to construct ice stupas: towering, man-made frozen structures that store water during winter and help recharge underground aquifers in the spring. It's a fight for survival in which the people of Zanskar draw upon ancient traditions and enhance them with modern techniques, ensuring that life can continue in this challenging environment.
Francesco Clerici
He graduated in Art History and Criticism from the University of Milan. His debut feature-length film Il Gesto delle Mani (2015) won the critics’ award at the Berlin Film Festival. He co-directed La Paz del Futuro (2022). His short film Even Tide (2023) was awarded at the Torino Film Festival.
Tommaso Barbaro
A sound editor and sound designer for film, he graduated from the Luchino Visconti Film School in Milan. He has worked with directors such as Soldini, Diritti, Venier, and Lucini. From 2016 to 2021, he created The Huddle, his first documentary as director.
