Montclair Film Festival to Honor Rachel Maddow, Tony Gilroy, and More
The Montclair Film Festival will recognize notable figures including Rachel Maddow and Tony Gilroy at its upcoming event in New Jersey.
Martin Scorsese has joined Bahman Ghobadi's horror film 'Trees Are Watching' as executive producer ahead of its Toronto premiere.

Award-winning director Martin Scorsese has been announced as an executive producer for the horror film Trees Are Watching, directed by Bahman Ghobadi and starring Eva Green. The news comes just ahead of the film's world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) this Friday.
This collaboration marks another milestone in the ongoing partnership between Scorsese and Ghobadi, who have supported each other's projects for years. According to a report from Deadline, their relationship began when Scorsese presented Ghobadi's film Rhino Season at TIFF in 2012, and has continued in various forms since, with Ghobadi appearing in Scorsese's The Irishman.
Trees Are Watching is described as a psychological horror film that explores themes of memory, folklore, and environmental degradation. The film follows Darya, portrayed by Eva Green, a novelist returning to her hometown of Mardin, where personal and mythical narratives intersect against a backdrop of landscape change.
Ghobadi has gained recognition at major film festivals, having screened notable works such as A Time for Drunken Horses and Turtles Can Fly. His storytelling is often deeply intertwined with personal and cultural commentary, and Trees Are Watching is no exception. The film is reportedly inspired by his own experiences during nearly two decades of exile. In Toronto, Ghobadi will be joined by actor Murat Yıldırım for the premiere.
Scorsese's role as executive producer adds considerable weight to Trees Are Watching, given his influence and reputation in the film industry. His continued support for international filmmakers highlights a commitment to diverse storytelling, particularly at a festival known for showcasing unique voices. This partnership may elevate the film’s visibility and reception among viewers and critics alike.
The film is produced by Ghobadi along with Seyfi Sahin, Lydia Dean Pilcher, and Golriz Ehtiati. The executive production team also includes Lucas Akoskin and Bahoz Nasradin. The film is presented by Open the Door and is produced under the MIJ Film banner.
Trees Are Watching is expected to draw attention not only for Ghobadi's directorial vision but also for Scorsese's storied legacy. The Toronto International Film Festival serves as a platform where many films have secured distribution deals, and it could potentially influence the future trajectory of Trees Are Watching.
As both esteemed filmmakers engage with festival audiences, the film's themes may resonate deeply amid ongoing conversations about environmental issues and cultural heritage, especially in the context of global cinema.
The collaboration between Scorsese and Ghobadi on Trees Are Watching exemplifies a partnership grounded in mutual respect and artistic vision. With its Toronto premiere approaching, this film is posited to be a significant entry in the horror genre, promising to captivate audiences with its unique storytelling approach.
For updates, continue to monitor news outlets ahead of the festival, where many films find their footing in the competitive landscape.
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: Deadline. 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.