Zuoz (2008)
A quiet, meditative short by Ute Aurand, capturing filmmaker Robert Beavers on ice in the Swiss Alps.
Zuoz - Movie Information
- Original Title: Zuoz
- Release Year: 2008
- Directed by: Ute Aurand
- Type: Movie
- Runtime: 2m
- Original Language: English
Zuoz - Plot
Filmed in Switzerland and released as part of a triptych with A Walk, Zuoz features the filmmaker Robert Beavers skating on ice. Beavers represents another "new beginning" in Aurand's practice. She recalls seeing his work in the late '90s and "enter[ing] a space beyond the images where one is entirely within oneself and simultaneously in the world … where one is simply present and receives the full gift of the film."
Where to Watch Zuoz
Looking for where to watch Zuoz?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Zuoz - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Ute Aurand
Main Cast
- Robert Beavers
Zuoz - FAQs
What is Zuoz about?
Zuoz is a brief experimental film shot in Switzerland by director Ute Aurand. It captures filmmaker Robert Beavers skating on ice and forms part of a triptych alongside A Walk. Aurand frames Beavers as a symbol of creative renewal, describing his work as transporting viewers into a space of pure presence.
Who directed Zuoz and what is her style?
Zuoz was directed by Ute Aurand, a German experimental filmmaker known for intimate, lyrical short films. Her work often blends personal observation with poetic imagery, and Zuoz is a prime example — a quiet, contemplative portrait that reflects her interest in presence, perception, and the act of seeing.
Is Zuoz part of a larger film series?
Yes, Zuoz is one part of a triptych that also includes A Walk. The two films were released together by Ute Aurand and share a meditative, observational quality. Together they explore themes of movement, presence, and the filmmaker's personal relationship with the subjects she chooses to document.
Who is Robert Beavers and why does he appear?
Robert Beavers is an acclaimed American experimental filmmaker. Aurand encountered his work in the late 1990s and was deeply moved by it, describing the experience as entering a space beyond images. His appearance in Zuoz skating on ice represents what she calls a "new beginning" in her own artistic practice.
Where was Zuoz filmed?
Zuoz was filmed in Switzerland, taking its title from the village of Zuoz in the Engadin valley of the canton of Graubünden. The snowy, wintry Swiss landscape provides the backdrop for the film's central image of Robert Beavers gliding across ice, lending the short a serene, almost otherworldly atmosphere.
How long is Zuoz?
Zuoz runs for just 2 minutes, making it an exceptionally brief work even within the experimental short film tradition. Despite its minimal runtime, the film carries considerable artistic weight, distilling Ute Aurand's meditative approach into a single, concentrated image of movement and presence on ice.
Where can I watch Zuoz online?
Zuoz is a niche experimental short film, so mainstream streaming platforms are unlikely to carry it. Your best bet is to check JustWatch for current availability in your region, or explore experimental film archives, cinematheques, and festival platforms that specialize in avant-garde and short-form cinema.
What are some films similar to Zuoz?
If Zuoz's contemplative, observational style appeals to you, films like Thirteen Conversations About One Thing (2001) and Ex Machina (2015) offer similarly thoughtful, introspective experiences. For short experimental works, exploring the broader catalogues of Ute Aurand and Robert Beavers themselves is highly recommended.
More About Zuoz
Explore further details and databases for Zuoz below.