What does the world look like through the eyes of an oak tree? That's the question at the heart of 'A Community of Life', a documentary by Rik van der Linden, with nature philosopher Matthijs Schouten as guide. Entry is free and tickets are available through the link at the end of the page!
In the documentary, Matthijs Schouten uses the oak processionary caterpillar as a starting point for a poetic, wonder-filled journey through the many creatures living in and around a single oak tree. The tree itself comes alive, and looking through its eyes, we learn more about ourselves.
Since 2020, Rik van der Linden has made only nature films. They're designed to pull us briefly out of the noise of daily life, make us stop and wonder, and open up conversations about what this moment in history asks of us.
We're showing this film to Leiden residents who are curious about urban nature, or who want to think about how a city could host life the way an oak tree does. Can people live that way too? Does Leiden already?
Conversation after the screening
Rik van der Linden and Johannes Müller (historian, Leiden University) will talk with each other, and with the audience.
Tickets available here (free entry)
During the week of 8 July, around 800 researchers and policymakers from across Europe are in Leiden for the European Congress of Conservation Biology — discussing what actually works for protecting nature, and how science, policy, and business can work together better. This screening is offered to Leiden residents on the third day of the congress by Leiden Kennisstad.
