What we need to know about Ice Breath

"Ice Breath" seems straightforward and consistent at first glance, yet it is rich and complex. On the surface, the film illustrates the impacts of climate change, emphasizing the delicate equilibrium of our environment. Underneath this exterior, a deep personal story and existential reflection emerge. It is a journey that prompted me to contemplate my role within a temporary world that appears both vast and short-lived—a reflection of impermanence and the transient essence of existence itself.

From 2015 to 2024, Leonard Alecu undertook the ambitious project of capturing the melting icebergs along the stunning and remote East coast of Greenland through the lens of his camera. This endeavor was not merely a photographic venture but a profound exploration of the stark realities of climate change. Navigating perilously close to these majestic yet fragile icebergs, Alecu utilized his camera to document the ice masses succumbing to the relentless forces of the ocean.

His film, "Ice Breath," shot entirely in black and white, transcends traditional documentary filmmaking; it is a cinematic poem where the filmmaker’s gaze becomes the sole elusive actor in a landscape of shifting ice and time. Over the course of 43 minutes, static images gradually transform into dynamic scenes, creating a visual narrative that depicts an existential journey from creation to extinction, reflecting the delicate balance of nature and the impact of human activity on the environment.

The film's mesmerizing quality is further heightened by its evocative soundtrack, "Become Ocean," composed by John Luther Adams. This haunting piece of music evokes a relentless tidal surge, encapsulating the themes of melting polar ice and rising sea levels that are central to Alecu's work. "Become Ocean" received critical acclaim, winning the prestigious 2014 Pulitzer Prize for Music and the 2015 Grammy Award for Best Classical Contemporary Composition. The synergy between Alecu's visual artistry and Adams' poignant score creates an immersive experience, making "Ice Breath" more than just an environmental documentary; it is an experimental blend that delves deep into the vast and inscrutable meanings of climate change, urging viewers to confront the reality of our planet's precarious state.

Leonard Alecu, who holds a master’s degree in microelectronics, is not only a filmmaker but also an accomplished photographer. His journey into the world of large-format film photography, particularly the 8x20 inch format, was inspired by American photographers Paula Chamlee and Michael A. Smith, both of whom are adherents of the Edward Weston school. Alecu's commitment to pursuing tangible perfection in black and white photography stems from the unique alchemy of analog processes, which he believes captures the essence of his subjects in a way that digital cannot. His fascination with the remote and frozen regions of the North has led him to showcase his large-format works in prestigious museums and galleries, including the Museum of Recent Art in Bucharest and the University of Arts Gallery in Iasi.

The film "Ice Breath" emerged from Alecu’s deep desire to convey the movement and hidden drama he always sensed during his photographic expeditions to Greenland—an elusive quality that his large-format camera could not fully capture while facing the vast ocean. This realization prompted a spontaneous shift from photography to film, guided by the same visual and existential explorations that continue to drive the artist. Through "Ice Breath," Alecu invites viewers into a contemplative space where the beauty of nature is juxtaposed with the stark realities of environmental degradation, encouraging a dialogue about the urgent need for awareness and action in the face of climate change. The film stands as a testament to the power of art in illuminating critical issues, urging us to reflect on our relationship with the planet and the legacy we will leave for future generations.