Imagine a hidden universe where tiny organisms play the ultimate role in life's grand cycle—breaking down decay to fuel rebirth. That's the captivating world of microfungi, and it's about to be unveiled in a way you've never seen before. But here's where it gets controversial: are these so-called 'destructors' really villains, or unsung heroes reshaping our planet? Dive in with me, and let's explore why this documentary might just change how you view the circle of life.
Step into the microscopic realm with 'Holy Destructors,' the ambitious second feature from Lithuanian filmmaker Aistė Žegulytė, whose previous work 'Animus Animalis' already pushed boundaries in documentary storytelling. This new essayistic film is set to make its global debut at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA), running from November 13 to 23, right here: [link to IDFA details]. And that's not all—it'll also screen at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF), expanding its reach and sparking conversations worldwide.
Competing in IDFA's prestigious Envision category [link to Envision competition], 'Holy Destructors' invites viewers on an intimate journey into the unseen lives of microorganisms that thrive on decomposing organic matter. Think of it like this: while we might flinch at the sight of rotting leaves or fallen trees, Žegulytė uses a mix of archival clips and fresh footage to zoom in through a microscope, revealing these fungi as they bloom and transform. For beginners, microfungi are simply tiny fungal organisms—often microscopic—that act as nature's recyclers. They break down dead plants, animals, or even human remains, turning what seems like waste into nutrients that enrich the soil. It's a natural process that's been happening for millions of years, long before humans walked the Earth, and it will likely continue long after we're gone.
As the film's synopsis puts it, 'Biodestructors are microfungi 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.' It's a poetic reminder that decay isn't just an end—it's a beginning. Žegulytė herself explains her passion: 'My fascination for fungi started with the way they decompose organic matter, a process that also functions as bioconstruction. This is the central theme of the film and why I was drawn 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.' Here, we see a subtle twist: these 'destructors' are actually builders, turning pain into possibility. And this is the part most people miss—how fungi challenge our human-centric views of life and death, blurring the lines between destruction and creation.
To bring this vision to life, 'Holy Destructors' is a collaborative effort from producers Uljana Kim at Lithuania's Studio Uljana Kim, France's To Be Continued Productions, and Latvia's Studio Locomotive. It received backing from key institutions like the Lithuanian Film Center, CNC (France's national film center), the Institut Français, Latvia's National Film Center, and public broadcaster LRT. Cinematographer Vytautas Katkus [link to his profile] lent his expertise to capture these intimate scenes.
Producer Kim shares the excitement: 'We’ve been crafting this film since 2019 and are thrilled to share it now. 'Holy Destructors' expands the horizons of documentary filmmaking. Aistė Žegulytė possesses a unique talent for tackling intricate concepts with lyrical accuracy and bold visuals. Collaborating with her is like stepping into a realm where science morphs into art, and decomposition unveils new creation.'
Don't miss the chance to peek behind the scenes—check out the exclusive trailer below, where you'll glimpse fungi sprouting in coffins, ancient crypts, and the fascinating work of bioarchaeologists and restorers. Get ready to immerse yourself in this vibrant cosmos of microorganisms, where every spore tells a story of renewal.
But let's pause for a moment: labeling fungi as 'holy destructors' might raise eyebrows. Are they truly 'holy,' or does that imply a spiritual reverence for what we usually see as gross or destructive? And in a world obsessed with preservation and anti-aging, could embracing decay as a natural force help us rethink our relationship with death and the environment? What do you think—do these microfungi deserve our admiration, or do they challenge ideas of life that make us uncomfortable? Share your thoughts in the comments below; I'd love to hear if you agree, disagree, or have your own interpretations of this microscopic miracle!
