Healing Ground
One of a series of short form documentaries I worked on with Iain Pennington in Scotland in 2024.
Produced by Remco Merbis and Iain Pennington
Directed, shot and edited by Remco Merbis
Colourist: Iain Pennington
Canadian astrophysicist and former politician Avi (formerly Amita) Kuttner talks about their emotional journey of healing and self-discovery, recalling the devastating loss of their mother in a mudslide at age fourteen, their father’s injuries, and the complex trauma arising from these and subsequent damaging experiences.
The film explores their path toward recovery, the move to the Isle of Bute in Scotland, and highlights the importance of physical and emotional routines, mindfulness, and self-compassion in processing trauma. The documentary also touches on Avi’s gender identity and dysphoria, which had become more apparent as they confronted repressed emotions.
Avi finds a sense of wonder and freedom in the natural world, reflecting on the transformative power of facing life’s truths to fully embrace life in all its beauty.
Sony FX6
Sony a7SIII / DJI RS2 gimbal
My set of Olympus OM vintage lenses
DJI Mini 3 Pro drone
