In the Dutch lowlands, keeping a windmill running is an act of cultural preservation

The observational short documentary 1953 explores the rich sights and sounds that accompany the now esoteric process of caring for a 250-year-old Dutch windmill, used to drain excess water from low-lying land. The film’s title nods to the year in which Eric Zwijnenberg first encountered the non-operational mill when his family rented it for a holiday getaway. Eventually, they bought the mill and Zwijnenberg dedicated himself to restoring and operating it. Captured by the Spanish-based director Diego Vivanco with a deft touch that mirrors the windmill keeper’s own steady, expert hand, each angle of 1953 reveals a detail of Zwijnenberg’s continued work of passion and preservation.