A film by Rasmus Kaessmann
Synopsis
This glimpse into everyday life on an alpine hut intimately captures the simplicity, beauty, and timelessness of a shepherdess’s work in the Swiss Alps. Amidst the breathtaking mountain scenery, the simplicity of life becomes tangible – a calm, almost meditative rhythm that stands in stark contrast to our fast-paced world. The film invites viewers to pause, slow down, and take a deep breath.
The Protagonist
Kathrin Riesch, 40, lives in Bad Tölz in the Bavarian Oberland. She is a yoga teacher, ski instructor, and Ayurveda health consultant. Every summer from June to October, she has been working as a shepherd on various alpine pastures in Switzerland for 13 years.
Trailer
"I don't want to be anywhere else. I'm in the right place."
Kathrin Riesch
The Filmmaker
Rasmus Kaessmann, 45, has been working as a freelance photographer and cameraman for 20 years. Represented by the agency Neubauerschwarz, he lives with his family in the Bavarian foothills of the Alps, one hour south of Munich.
Screenshots
Review
"This film offers an intimate and contemplative look into the everyday life of a shepherdess in the Swiss Alps, and its cinematic elements elevate the quiet beauty of the experience in truly remarkable ways. The cinematography is both breathtaking and immersive, with wide, sweeping shots of the majestic alpine landscape that serve as both backdrop and protagonist. The mountains themselves feel alive, their peaks and valleys reflecting the rhythm of the shepherdess’s work and the passage of time. Close-ups of her hands working, her focused gaze, and the serenity of the animals in their natural environment all capture the stillness and connection to nature that defines her life. The pacing of these shots mirrors the tranquil rhythm of her days, inviting the viewer to settle into the moment rather than rush through it.
The color editing of the film is particularly striking. Soft, warm hues dominate the scenes, emphasizing the natural beauty of the alpine setting and creating a serene, almost dreamlike atmosphere. The color palette evokes a sense of nostalgia and timelessness — the greens of the meadows, the browns and creams of the hut, and the blues and whites of the mountains all blend harmoniously, highlighting the simplicity and purity of the shepherdess's existence. There is an intentional softness to the tones, which adds to the sense of being transported into a slower, quieter world, untouched by modern life’s chaos.
In terms of storytelling, the film doesn’t rely on dialogue or grandiose plot points. Instead, it lets the visuals and small, everyday moments speak for themselves. The rhythm of the film — the repetitive tasks, the steady care of the animals, and the quiet solitude of the mountain life — tells a story of profound connection with the land and a life led by simplicity, where time seems to stretch and slow.
Altogether, the cinematography, color editing, and storytelling in this film work in perfect harmony to create an experience that’s not just watched, but felt. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most profound stories come from the quietest moments."
Arthur from Belgrade Film Festival
