Cao Thi Hau was born in a cave more than 60 years ago. Now she lives in a village, with many children and grandchildren to look after. Sometimes, she dreams of her dead mother calling her home – to the cave. The film captures fleeting moments of her daily life, its beauties and economic struggles, and the transmission of her people’s language, Ruc, to her grandchildren. Original Title Tóc, Giấy và Nước… Year of production 2025 Length 71' CountryBelgium/France/Vietnam Shooting Format 16mm Aspect Ratio 4:3 Dialogue Rục, Vietnamese
DirectorNicolas Graux and Trương Minh Quý Production Companies Dérives, petit chaos Co-production Companies WIP - Wallonie Image Production, Lagi films Producers Julie Freres, Thomas Hakim, Julien Graff Line Producers Nguyễn Thị Xuân Trang, Gaëlle Balthasart Director of PhotographyNicolas Graux Editor Trương Minh Quy Sound Ngô Quốc Kiên, Nguyễn Ngọc Tân, Lê Hoàng Anh Sound Editing & Design Ernst Karel, Trương Minh Quý Sound Mixing Ernst Karel Color Grading Lionel Kopp Cast Cao Thị Hậu, Cao Xuân Doanh, Cao Thị Hiệu, Cao Thị Bát
Director's Statement Water trickles in dark caves, drop by drop. Drops of memory handed from Mrs. Hậu to her grandchildren, word by word. Frame by frame, water carries them, carries us, carries the film — homeward.
