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shifting grounds  / 2025 / experimental essay film

«SHIFTING GROUNDS» is an experimental essay film told from the perspective of peat, a living archive shaped by water, time and slow transformation. Tracing the history of wetlands from the last Ice Age to the present, the film observes how human intervention has drained, built upon and altered these fragile grounds.

Through layered images and a finely composed sound design, «SHIFTING GROUNDS» reflects on care, decay, and resilience. It asks what can emerge in landscapes marked by human intervention, yet still carrying traces of life.

If you are curious about the project, or would like to receive a press kit, please get in touch.


Director
Zana Selimi

Producer
Eva Schneuwly

Production
Kollektiv Chroma

Supported by
Grünstadt Zürich

Creative Concept
Zana Selimi
Justus Briese
Eva Schneuwly

Screenplay
Eva Schneuwly
Zana Selimi

Direction of Photography
Justus Briese

Edit
Zana Selimi
Justus Briese
Anton Krebs

Sounddesign and Composition
Mike Utiger

Production Design
Eva Schneuwly

Art Direction
Maëlle Leonie Odermatt

Costumes
Simona Schlegel

Hair and Make-Up
Paul Grieguszies
Andy Lörtscher

Lighting Design
Lea Studer 
Line De Kaenel

Color Grading
Raphael Stäger

Cast
Cathrin Merscher

Voice-Over
Zana Selimi

Extras
Hannah Affentranger
Jonatan Bischof
Lisa Kilthau-Merscher
Paul Grieguszies
Felix von Niederhäusern
Leah Spirk