Convento 2010
In the Portuguese countryside, a daring Dutch family embarks on a transformative journey by turning a 400-year-old monastery into a living space, creative haven, and sanctuary for nature.
Director: Jarred Alterman
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Convento (2010) about?
*Convento (2010)* documents the Zwanikken family's bold decision to restore a 400-year-old Portuguese monastery into their home, artist studio, and nature preserve. The film captures their daily lives as they navigate the challenges and rewards of transforming an ancient space into a modern sanctuary, blending artistry with adventure.
Who directed Convento?
Jarred Alterman directed *Convento*, infusing the documentary with a surreal, artistic lens that mirrors the family's creative spirit.
Who stars in Convento?
The film stars Geraldine Zwanikken, Christiaan Zwanikken, and Louis Zwanikken, with Christiaan—renowned kinetic artist—taking a central role in the family's story.
Is Convento (2010) worth watching?
As a 53-minute documentary, *Convento* offers a unique blend of personal narrative and artistic vision, making it ideal for fans of intimate, visually driven films. While it lacks an IMDb rating, its unconventional storytelling and stunning cinematography make it a compelling watch for those interested in documentary cinema or family-driven art projects.
How long is Convento?
*Convento* has a runtime of 53 minutes.
About Convento (2010): A Family's Bold Journey from Monastery to Masterpiece
In the Portuguese countryside, a daring Dutch family embarks on a transformative journey by turning a 400-year-old monastery into a living space, creative haven, and sanctuary for nature. *Convento (2010)*, directed by Jarred Alterman, follows the Zwanikken family—artist Christiaan Zwanikken, his wife Geraldine, and son Louis—as they reshape the ancient stone walls into a dynamic fusion of home, studio, and wild retreat. Filmed entirely in a remote Portuguese village, this documentary blurs the boundaries between reality and surrealism, weaving together personal anecdotes, artistic expression, and the raw beauty of their surroundings. The result is a visually poetic exploration of reinvention, where tradition meets innovation in the most unexpected ways.
Stripped of conventional documentary restraints, *Convento* immerses viewers in a dreamlike narrative that feels equally like a love letter to Portugal and a testament to the Zwanikken family's bold vision. The film balances intimate family moments with striking visuals of the monastery's crumbling arches juxtaposed against Christiaan's intricate kinetic sculptures. It's a story of perseverance, creativity, and the quiet magic of starting anew in an unfamiliar land, all captured with an artistic eye that lingers long after the credits roll.