Film - Drinkable Meuse

Drinkable Meuse – A Long Walk for Drinkable Rivers

Retracing the steps of Li An’s 1000km walk along the Meuse (2018)

Philosopher and holistic scientist Li An Phoa is concerned about the health of our rivers. In this documentary, a shortened version of a three-part television series, director Thom Verheul and his son, cameraman Wouter Verheul, follow Li An on her 1000km walk along the Meuse river that runs from France through Belgium and The Netherlands to the North Sea. Along the way, Li An meets farmers, mayors, children and fishermen and discusses river pollution by pesticides, medicine residues and other hazardous substances. The film follows Li An on her journey, and documents her encounters, worries and we witness how she mobilises people for her vision: a Drinkable Meuse.

A movie from Thom Verheul, creative commons 2020 Stichting Drinkable Rivers

Screening the film

Part of mobilising people for drinkable rivers, the film is a tool to convene people and inspire local communities for action. If you wish to organise a screening as part of a meeting, a festival, or any other event you are welcome to ask for our film and organise an event with your community. Please contact the filmmaker to get access the film.

Releases

  • Dutch release: March 2020 (shot in 2018 and 2019)
  • Premier in France: June 2022, premier in English: Aug/Sep 2023 (there is also a German version)

Credits

  • Producer and Director: Thom Verheul (NoorderBeeld Foundation)
  • Scenario: Li An Phoa and Thom Verheul
  • Camera: Wouter Verheul
  • Editor: Jelle Redeker & Ismael Lötz
  • Sound: Sybrand Bok
  • Music: Truusje Melissen
  • Cast: Li An Phoa
  • Text: Maarten van der Schaaf, Li An Phoa, Thom Verheul
  • Voice-over: Li An Phoa
  • Television Partner: KRO-NCRV, The Netherlands.

Organise a Screening

Free 18 minutes long version

We premiered our 18 minutes version of the film online and along the Thames in September, from now this version is public and can be watched here.

Feature length version (90′)

Do you wish to organise a screening of the 90 minutes documentary film, please contact us.

Past Screenings

2023: De domijnen in Sittard during the ‘Mens en Maas’ exhibition

2023: The Nieuwe Instituut in Rotterdam during the ‘Pluriverse’ exhibition and Testing İstanbul’s Waters

2023: Transition Town Totnes Film Festival

2023: English Premier with Water Stories

2022: Festival International Nature Namur

2022: French premier during Meuse film tour

2021: Premier at Festival Film by the Sea

2020 & 2021: NPO2 Dutch national TV as three-part series

Prizes