Nummer achttien – the breath of life is the true story of Guido van der Werve: an world-renowned video and performance-artist who uses his video art to confront life. Besides, he is a classical pianist, composer, plays chess at a high level and runs ultramarathons. A special life, that almost ends in a fatal traffic accident in 2016. 

He sustains a traumatic brain injury and is in a coma for a month, with his doctors showing little optimism. However, thanks to the extraordinary condition of his mind and body, he makes a miraculous recovery. In Nummer achttien, which the artist calls ‘autofiction’, he deals with the frustrating rehabilitation process. We discover remarkable parallels with his complicated childhood as he brings memories from his younger years to life.

The film is not only a poetic self-examination, but an ode to all misfits.

DIRECTOR & WRITER GUIDO VAN DER WERVE | PRODUCER DANIELLE GUIRGUIS | D.O.P BEN GERAERTS | LINE PRODUCER MANDY LIM | EDITOR DENISE JANZÉE & RUBEN VAN DER HAMMEN

The project is part of “De Verbeelding”
Supported by the Mondriaan Fund, The Netherlands Film Fund and Fonds 21.