Joaquin Phoenix-Backed Documentary “Trillion” Premieres at IDFA with a Silent Punch

A mysterious new documentary world premieres in Amsterdam this week. “Trillion” is directed by acclaimed filmmaker Victor Kossakovsky. The film features a wordless journey by a woman on a rocky shore.

It is the second film in Kossakovsky’s “empathy trilogy.” Academy Award winner Joaquin Phoenix serves as an executive producer. The premiere is set for the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam.

A Cinematic Puzzle Prompts Deep Reflection

The 80-minute film unfolds without dialogue. A woman in a white dress walks barefoot carrying a jute bag. The black-and-white visuals and atmospheric sound are the only guides.

According to the festival’s official description, the film is a modern take on the Myth of Sisyphus. It aims to provoke questions about life’s purpose in a time of existential threat. The goal is to prompt reflection on realizing a different future.

Kossakovsky is known for his unique visual storytelling. His previous film “Gunda,” also backed by Phoenix, focused on the life of a pig. This new work continues his mission to make audiences pay attention to the overlooked.

Joining Forces for Empathetic Storytelling

Joaquin Phoenix returned as an executive producer after his experience with “Gunda.” Kossakovsky told The Hollywood Reporter that Phoenix called him after seeing that film. The actor expressed a desire to support movies that shift perspective away from humans.

The director’s method is deeply personal. He states he makes films to become a different person himself. Each project changes how he sees and lives in the world.

The film’s North American sales are handled by Anonymous Content. The production companies involved are Sant & Usant and Louverture Films. Its premiere is a key event in the festival’s Envision Competition.

The silent, powerful “Trillion” uses pure cinema to challenge audiences. Its IDFA premiere marks a major moment for artistic documentary. This Joaquin Phoenix-backed film seeks to change a viewer’s perspective by the final frame.

A quick knowledge drop for you

What is the documentary “Trillion” about?

It is a wordless, black-and-white film following a woman on a coastal journey. It acts as a modern interpretation of the Myth of Sisyphus. The full meaning becomes clear only in the final moments.

Who is involved in making “Trillion”?

It is directed by Russian filmmaker Victor Kossakovsky. Joaquin Phoenix is an executive producer, as he was for Kossakovsky’s prior film “Gunda.” The film is a collaboration with an artist known as K49814.

Where and when did “Trillion” premiere?

The film had its world premiere at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA). The screening was on Sunday, November 16th. It was part of the festival’s Envision Competition.

Why is the film called “Trillion”?

The director says the title’s significance is revealed in the last frame. It is connected to the film’s deeper thematic questions. The name reflects the scale of the ideas it explores.

Is “Trillion” part of a series?

Yes, it is the second installment of Kossakovsky’s “empathy trilogy.” The first film was “Gunda,” which focused on farm animals. A third, secret film is planned to complete the trilogy.