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Convento is a visually stunning documentary film that tells the story of a family of artists and their unique way of life in the Portuguese countryside. The film is directed by Jarred Alterman, and it features the work of three artists: Christiaan Zwanikken, Geraldine Zwanikken, and Louis Zwanikken. The story takes place in a secluded convent that has been converted into a home and workshop for the Zwanikken family. The family members are all accomplished artists in their own right, and they have transformed the once-abandoned convent into a magical place where art and nature come together in a harmonious way.

The film opens with stunning shots of the countryside surrounding the convent. We see lush green hills, fields of wildflowers, and a river flowing gently through the landscape. Then we meet Christiaan Zwanikken, who is working on one of his latest creations. Christiaan is a kinetic sculptor who creates bizarre and beautiful robotic creatures from discarded materials. He scavenges old machines, gears, and other parts from junkyards and turns them into art.

Throughout the film, we see Christiaan at work in his studio, surrounded by his incredible creations. We see him manipulating the mechanics of these robotic animals, testing their movements, and making adjustments until they move and look just the way he wants them to. We also see his quirky and unique personality in action as he explains his creative vision and shows off his art to guests.

Geraldine Zwanikken, Christiaan's sister, is a talented painter and photographer. Her work is inspired by the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape, and she often incorporates natural elements like leaves, feathers, and flowers into her pieces. We see her painting a portrait of a chicken, capturing the bird's wild and beautiful spirit in a way that only she can.

Louis Zwanikken, the youngest of the three siblings, is a musician who brings a sense of whimsy to the film. Louis composes dreamy, atmospheric music that perfectly complements the surreal and otherworldly nature of the Zwanikken's art. We see him playing his guitar along the banks of the river, the beautiful scenery and his gentle music creating a serene and peaceful harmony.

The film is filled with magical moments that highlight the beauty of the Zwanikken's art and their unique way of life. There is a sense of wonder and enchantment that permeates every scene, as we watch the family members create, explore, and interact with the world around them.

One of the most memorable parts of the film is the way in which it juxtaposes the modern machinery of Christiaan's robotic creatures against the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. The robotic creatures are strange and otherworldly, and yet somehow they fit perfectly into the lush green hills and wildflowers. It's a testament to the creativity and vision of the Zwanikken family, who have managed to create a universe all their own within the walls of the converted convent.

In addition to the stunning visuals and beautiful music, the film also has a touching emotional resonance. We see glimpses of the Zwanikken's family history and learn about their close bond with each other and the world around them. It's clear that they are deeply connected to the natural environment and that this connection inspires their art in profound ways.

In conclusion, Convento is an incredibly beautiful and thought-provoking film that offers a unique glimpse into the world of a family of artists who have created a magical place like no other. Through the lens of this film, we are able to see the beauty of the Zwanikken's art and their deep connection to the natural world in all of its wonder and splendor.

Convento is a 2012 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 7 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 67.