Director Victor Kossakovsky's new documentary, premiering at Venice, emphasizes empathy for trees as living beings with 20 senses.
In a bold exploration of plant life, director Victor Kossakovsky's new documentary Holy Wood Dust is set to world premiere at the Venice Film Festival on September 6, 2026. The film aims to challenge viewers' perceptions of trees, portraying them as living beings equipped with 20 senses. The filmmaker's intention is to cultivate empathy for the plant kingdom, encouraging audiences to rethink their relationship with nature.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Kossakovsky elaborated on his inspiration for the film and the impact he hopes it will have on audiences. He aims to evoke a deeper understanding and respect for trees, utilizing striking visual elements akin to War and Peace. Through this cinematic journey, Kossakovsky poses essential questions about the emotional and sensory lives of trees, particularly in moments of distress.
“What happens to a stump the second after a tree is cut down? What does that tree think and feel at that very moment?” asks Kossakovsky, emphasizing the importance of reconceptualizing human interactions with nature. The documentary serves as a reminder that these organisms are not just decorations but vital components of our ecological landscape.
Co-written with Italian botanist Stefano Mancuso, Holy Wood Dust invites viewers to engage actively with the theme of empathy. Kossakovsky previously gained acclaim for films in his empathy trilogy, including Gunda and Trillion, both highlighting the emotional lives of non-human beings. This upcoming release will further this mission, but in a more family-friendly format that aims to resonate with younger audiences.
The documentary is produced by Be Water Film, Solaria Film, RAI Cinema, Oceanika, Allegra Films, and Doppelplusultra Filmproduktion. Kossakovsky hints at future projects that will continue his exploration of empathy but has not announced specific details.
The director’s work has often been marked by an emotional depth that encourages viewers to connect with the subjects presented. Reflecting on a childhood experience that sparked his understanding of plant life, Kossakovsky recounts a lesson from his mother about the pain felt by plants, which profoundly influenced his life’s work. This philosophical underpinning informs every shot of Holy Wood Dust, aiming to instill a sense of responsibility toward trees as living beings with complex lives. Kossakovsky hopes that the film will resonate broadly, comparing its thematic and emotional tones to a Christmas carol that can unite families.
“There is an iconic-feeling scene in Holy Wood Dust of a helicopter flying a Christmas tree towards the Vatican,” Kossakovsky mentions, echoing significant cinematic moments while paying homage to celebrated filmmaker Federico Fellini. He passionately states that viewers should not only enjoy the aesthetics of a Christmas tree but acknowledge its existence as a living entity that can thrive for hundreds of years if preserved properly.
The premiere of Holy Wood Dust at the Venice Film Festival highlights a growing cinematic trend that combines environmental consciousness with storytelling. As Kossakovsky pushes the envelope in exploring themes of empathy towards trees, audiences can expect a thorough re-evaluation of how they perceive and interact with the natural world. This film serves as a poignant reminder that every living being warrants recognition and respect, forging a new path for future documentaries focused on environmental issues.
For more on Victor Kossakovsky's work exploring non-human lives and environmental themes, check out the internal articles on Gunda and Trillion.
Entertainment news
EpisodeBreakdown may use automated tools to assist research, drafting, and formatting. Published pages are governed by our editorial and corrections policies, and source links are shown when they are available in the article record.
Discovery source: The Hollywood Reporter. The source identifies where the topic was discovered; EpisodeBreakdown is responsible for the commentary published on this page.
Reader response
Reactions and poll results are based on real reader responses. No account is required.
