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RAI FILM Festival takes place on 27-30 March 2025. Learn more.

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2021

The Ospreys and the Old Man

Directed by Ang Gao

2020 – 9'

Synopsis

A 76-year-old man living in a village in the middle of China continues the traditional practice of using ospreys (鱼鹰. 鱼鹰 usually referred to as great cormorant in English) to fish while most of the fishermen are using modern technologies now. He has the last five ospreys in the village. This quiet and well-observed short film follows the daily work of artisan fishing as it revolves around an intimate and delicate animal-human relationship. The skillful handling and calm patience suggest a lifetime of labour and devotion to the craft.

RAI FILM Festival 2025

The next RAI FILM Festival will take place in person from 27-30 March 2025 at the Watershed Cinema and the Arnolfini International Centre for Contemporary Arts in Bristol (UK) and online throughout the month of April 2025.