Taoism in a Bowl of Water
Tan Dun - A Chinese composer

Taoism In A Bowl Of Water, our film with and about Tan Dun, is the visual record of a work in progress, of a particular time in the life of Tan Dun. Together with him we will embark upon a journey over a period of several months, which will lead us into two opposing directions. In the end we will realise that we have moved in an all-encompassing circle.

We will take a journey from Tan’s present central point in New York to his cultural roots and influences in order to document their importance for his current work. We will accompany him into an uncertain future, on a path paved with the traditions of the past and the continously changing influences of the present that will lead Tan to new shores.

The almost commonplace Buddhist wisdom that the journey becomes the goal precisely describes this film. Every step on the way that Tan has already done and is still to do is part of the maze that illustrates Tan’s musical universe. From his biographical past we move through his present into the future.