“The Hidden Life of Trees" at the Figge Art Museum -- February 18.
Sunday, February 18, 3 p.m.
Figge Art Museum, 225 West Second Street, Davenport IA
An adaptation of Peter Wohlleben's bestselling book that, according to the New York Times, "uses the sensorial capacities of cinema to thrillingly visualize Wohlleben's observations," the 2020 documentary The Hidden Life of Trees will enjoy a February 18 screening at Davenport's Figge Art Museum as the fourth presentation in River Action's 2024 QC Environmental Film Series, the film also lauded by the National Post as "a fascinating walk in the woods."
"Branching" off of his bestselling book of the same name, renowned forester and writer Wohlleben guides viewers through his most precious ideas and understanding of how trees work in this enlightening documentary. Presenting ecological, biological, and academic expertise with matter of fact candor, Wohlleben inspires us to really see the forest for the trees. Traveling through Germany, Poland, Sweden, and Vancouver, our host discusses, debates, and explains the amazing process of life, death, and regeneration he has observed in the woodland for decades, as well as the amazing scientific mechanisms behind these wonders of which we are too often blissfully unaware. The result, in The Hidden Life of Trees, is an immersive and eye-opening look at the scientific mechanisms behind these wonders of nature.
Directed by Jörg Adolph, Jan Haft, with the film rated PG for mildly suggestive material and smoking, The Hidden Life of Trees current holds a 95-percent "freshness rating" on the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, and in its rave review, Georgia Straight stated that the documentary "provides context and understanding for what is currently occurring (and has been for decades) in our own province, and can inspire viewers to venture further into finding out what other secrets that trees have to share." Film Inquiry, meanwhile, added, "It's a documentary full of subtle, quiet moments, reminding us that a liberal dose of wonder is something quite powerful. Rather than taking nature for granted, it makes us appreciate it all the more for its many intricacies." Following The Hidden Life of Trees' Figge presentation, there will be a brief discussion hosted by reflection speaker Stephanie M. Adams, PhD., a tree pathologist & ISA board-certified Master Aborist with the Morton Arboretum.
The Hidden Life of Trees will be shown in the Figge Art Museum's John Deere Auditorium on February 18, admission to the 3 p.m. screening is $7 with students admitted free, and more information on the 2024 QC Environmental Film Series is available by calling (563)322-2926 and visiting RiverAction.org/filmseries.
