Prepare to be mesmerized by the unseen world beneath our feet, where life and death dance in an eternal embrace. ‘Holy Destructors’, the captivating new documentary from Lithuanian director Aistė Žegulytė, shines a spotlight on the microscopic universe of microfungi—organisms that have thrived for millions of years, long before humans walked the Earth. But here’s where it gets fascinating: these tiny creatures are not just survivors; they are the architects of transformation, turning decay into life in a cycle as old as time itself. And this is the part most people miss—their story is both a scientific marvel and a poetic reflection on existence.
Premiering at the prestigious International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) from November 13-23, Holy Destructors takes audiences on a visually stunning journey through the lens of a microscope. Žegulytė, known for her thought-provoking debut Animus Animalis, blends archival and new footage to reveal the hidden beauty of fungi as they grow, decompose, and rebuild. The film will then travel to the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF), continuing its exploration of the unseen.
But here’s where it gets controversial: while some see fungi as mere decomposers, Žegulytė challenges us to view them as creators, reshaping our understanding of life and death. ‘Biodestructors are microfungi that existed millions of years before humans and will likely outlive us,’ the film’s synopsis provocatively states. ‘Their presence transforms bodies into extraordinary energy that nourishes the soil and gives rise to new life in this endless cycle.’ Is this a story of destruction or rebirth? The director invites us to decide.
In an exclusive interview, Žegulytė shares her inspiration: ‘My fascination for fungi began with their ability to decompose organic matter, a process that doubles as bioconstruction. They are like magicians of a vanishing world, transforming it into something new. It’s as if death and pain take on a new form.’ This duality—destruction as creation—is the heart of the film.
Produced by Uljana Kim of Studio Uljana Kim, alongside France’s To Be Continued Productions and Latvia’s Studio Locomotive, Holy Destructors is a testament to international collaboration. Supported by organizations like the Lithuanian Film Center, CNC, and the Institut Français, the film boasts breathtaking cinematography by Vytautas Katkus, who captures the microscopic world with unparalleled clarity.
‘We’ve been working on this film since 2019, and we’re thrilled to finally share it,’ Kim reveals. ‘Aistė Žegulytė has a unique talent for blending complex ideas with poetic visuals, turning science into art. Working with her is like stepping into a world where decay becomes creation.’
The trailer offers a glimpse into this mesmerizing cosmos, featuring fungi, coffins, crypts, and the dedicated work of bioarchaeologists and restorers. It’s a reminder that even in death, life persists—a cycle as beautiful as it is inevitable. But here’s the question: Do we see fungi as destroyers or saviors? Share your thoughts in the comments—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss!
