How to Describe a Cloud is a visually stunning and meditative 2013 feature film by David Verbeek, exploring themes of perception, belief, and reconciliation. The story follows Liling, a young musician in Taipei, who is forced to leave her urban life when her mother suddenly goes blind. Returning to her rural island hometown, Liling’s scientific approach to blindness—describing the world through words as advised by a doctor—clashes with her mother’s spiritual belief in a newfound sixth sense. This tension unfolds against a backdrop of contrasting environments, from the neon-lit city to the serene countryside.
The cinematography by Jean Counet plays a pivotal role in bringing this narrative to life. Critics have praised his work, with the Volkskrant noting, “Every shot of Jean Counet hits the target and is appealing to the eye,” and NRC highlighting how he “weaves layers of sharpness and blur in the same image,” creating a visual metaphor for the film’s exploration of communication and intuition.
Remarkably, this was Counet’s first feature film, created with minimal resources. The production relied on a Canon 5D camera and just three lenses. Despite these limitations—and grueling production conditions marked by long shooting days, logistical challenges, and Verbeek battling illness—the final result is breathtaking. Counet described this experience as liberating, realizing that technically, any film could be made with such modest tools. The seamless visuals belie the chaotic production process and elevate the film beyond its no-budget origins.
The film received widespread acclaim:
Parool: “David Verbeek’s best film” ★★★★
NRC: “A story about illness, mourning, and reconciliation with the circle of life” ★★★★
Filmkrant: “David Verbeek could be the next Dutch director with universal success” ★★★★
VPRO: “A well-built, associative, magic-realistic trip about imagination” ★★★★
Through its poetic imagery and layered storytelling, How to Describe a Cloud offers an introspective journey into human connection, belief systems, and the power of imagination. It stands as a testament to creativity thriving even under constrained circumstances.
Director: David Verbeek
Producer: Wout Conijn
Cinematographer: Jean Counet
Editor: Patrick Schonewille
Sound: Ginny Shuei
Sound Design: Peter Warnier
Color Correction: Max Vonk
Gaffer: Hu Wei
With: Lu Huang, Yi Ching Lu, Pong Fong Lu
Produced by: Conijn Film
© 2013 CONIJN FILM
Producer: Wout Conijn
Cinematographer: Jean Counet
Editor: Patrick Schonewille
Sound: Ginny Shuei
Sound Design: Peter Warnier
Color Correction: Max Vonk
Gaffer: Hu Wei
With: Lu Huang, Yi Ching Lu, Pong Fong Lu
Produced by: Conijn Film
© 2013 CONIJN FILM
Behind the scenes photos:
http://www.davidverbeek.com/bts/hdc/
