Uncover the Microscopic World of Holy Destructors: A Journey into the Cosmos of Blooming Microfungi (Exclusive IDFA Trailer)
Microfungi take center stage in Holy Destructors, the highly anticipated sophomore documentary by Lithuanian director Aistė Žegulytė (Animus Animalis). This captivating film will make its world premiere at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA), running from November 13 to 23. Hollywood Reporter is proud to exclusively unveil a captivating trailer for this thought-provoking documentary, which will subsequently grace the screens at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF).
The film, a part of the festival's Envision competition, takes viewers on an extraordinary journey into the unseen realm of organisms that emerge during the decomposition of organic matter. Through a masterful blend of archival and new footage, Žegulytė invites audiences to explore the intricate world of growing fungi under a microscope.
The synopsis teases, 'Biodestructors are microfungus that existed millions of years before humans and will likely outlive us. Their presence transforms bodies into extraordinary energy that nourishes the soil and gives rise to new life in this endless cycle.'
Director Žegulytė shares her fascination with fungi, explaining, 'My fascination for fungi started with their role in decomposing organic matter, a process that also serves as a bioconstruction. This is the central theme of the film, and it's what drew me to fungi. They are like magicians of a vanishing world, organically transforming it into something else. It's as if death and pain take on a new form.'
Holy Destructors is a collaborative production by Uljana Kim for Studio Uljana Kim (Lithuania), To Be Continued Productions (France), and Studio Locomotive (Latvia). It received support from various institutions, including the Lithuanian Film Center, CNC, aide aux cinémas du monde, Institut Français, the National Film Center of Latvia, and LRT. The cinematography is a testament to the work of Vytautas Katkus.
Producer Kim expresses her excitement, 'We've been working on this film since 2019, and we're thrilled to finally share it with audiences. Holy Destructors pushes the boundaries of documentary cinema. Aistė Žegulytė possesses a unique talent for exploring complex ideas with poetic precision and visual courage. Working with her is an adventure where science becomes art, and decay reveals creation.'
Prepare to be captivated by the trailer, which offers a glimpse into the fascinating world of fungi, coffins, crypts, and the work of bioarchaeologists and restorers. Get ready to dive into a cosmos of blooming microorganisms!
