Documentary
All That Breathes
2022 · HBO Max
Directed by Shaunak Sen, the 2022 documentary film All That Breathes offers a contemplative and visually striking examination of the relationship between humanity and the natural world. Set against the backdrop of an evolving urban landscape in India, the narrative centers on brothers Mohammad Saud and Nadeem Shehzad, whose lives are dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of injured birds of prey. Eschewing a traditional expository style, the film functions as a graceful, meditative portrait of empathy, emphasizing the quiet interconnectivity that persists despite the pressures of a rapidly changing environment. The aesthetic is marked by a patient, observational tone that prioritizes the texture of daily life, drawing the viewer into the brothers' focused, routine-driven world. By highlighting the visceral, often overlooked intersections between city life and avian wildlife, the film explores themes of coexistence, stewardship, and human resilience. Recognized for its artistic depth, the documentary earned the Grand Jury Prize at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival and the Golden Eye at Cannes, establishing itself as a significant work of observational cinema that invites reflection on the shared spaces occupied by all living beings.