Holy Destructors: New Fungi Documentary to Premiere at IDFA

A new documentary explores the hidden world of fungi. “Holy Destructors” will have its world premiere at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA). The festival runs from November 13 to 23.

The film is the second feature from Lithuanian director Aistė Žegūlytė. It delves into the microscopic organisms responsible for decay. This unique perspective promises to transform how audiences view life and death.

Unveiling the Invisible World of Microfungi

The film acts as a deep dive into an unseen universe. It focuses on microfungi that decompose organic matter. According to the director, these organisms existed millions of years before humans.

Merging archival and new footage, the documentary takes viewers on a journey. The audience sees the world through a microscope lens. The synopsis describes fungi as extraordinary energy that nourishes the soil.

Their work gives rise to new life in an endless cycle. This process is framed not as an end, but as a form of bioconstruction. The film suggests these biodestructors will likely outlive humanity.

A Poetic Exploration of Decay and Creation

Director Aistė Žegūlytė explains her fascination with the subject. She was drawn to the way fungi decompose matter. She describes them as magicians of a vanishing world.

For her, death and pain organically transform into something new. The film pushes the boundaries of documentary cinema. Producer Uljana Kim praised Žegūlytė’s ability to explore complex ideas with visual courage.

The project is an international co-production. It involved studios from Lithuania, France, and Latvia. Support came from various European film centers and public broadcasters.

The world premiere of this unique fungi documentary marks a significant moment for artistic science films. “Holy Destructors” challenges audiences to see decay as a creative, life-giving force. This perspective is both ancient and urgently contemporary.

Thought you’d like to know

What is the documentary “Holy Destructors” about?

It explores the world of microfungi that decompose organic matter. The film shows how these organisms transform death into new life. It uses microscopic footage to reveal this invisible process.

Who directed the fungi documentary?

The film was directed by Lithuanian filmmaker Aistė Žegūlytė. This is her second feature-length documentary. Her previous work is titled “Animus Animalis.”

Where will “Holy Destructors” premiere?

Its world premiere is set for the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA). The festival takes place from November 13 to 24. It will also screen at the Tallinn Black Nights Festival.

What is the main theme of the film?

The central theme is decay as a form of bioconstruction. It presents microfungi as holy destructors that enable new life. The cycle of decomposition is shown as a creative force.

Who produced the documentary?

It was produced by Uljana Kim for Studio Uljana Kim in Lithuania. Co-producers include France’s To Be Continued Productions and Latvia’s Studio Locomotive. The project received support from several European film centers.