Hair, Paper, Water... - Trương Minh Quý & Nicolas Graux

Hair, Paper, Water… follows Cao Thị Hậu, born in a cave once home to the Ruc people, as she strives to keep their language alive. Against Eden-like landscapes captured on grainy 16 mm by Nicolas Graux, the film by Trương Minh Quý and Graux offers a poetic immersion into one of Asia’s most secluded cultures, preserving a cosmogony for future generations. Winner of the Golden Leopard at Locarno 2025.
 Trương Minh Quý, born in Buôn Ma Thuột, often draws inspiration for his films from this region. His work has been showcased at numerous film festivals worldwide. His previous film, Việt and Nam (2024), was selected for Un Certain Regard at Cannes and was screened here at Bozar. Nicolas Graux grew up in Binche, a small town in Belgium’s former mining region. In his work, he explores socio-political realities and films with a poetic, sensitive gaze. His debut feature, Century of Smoke (2019), traveled the world after its premiere at Visions du Réel.