A tender, enchanting and wholly engrossing exploration of the natural world from Oscar-nominated director Ildikó Enyedi. In the heart of a botanical garden in a German university town stands a majestic ginkgo tree, a silent witness observing three human lives over the course of a century.
In 1908 steadfast Grete (Luna Wedler) is seeking admission to the botany department of a prestigious institution. Though whip-smart, her gender is a barrier to entry into the male-dominated field and to society at large.
In 1972, at the same institution, Gundula (Marlene Burow) is conducting an experiment on what plants can sense via a single geranium. She elicits the help of her anti-social classmate Hannes (Enzo Brumm), with whom there is unspoken sexual tension.
In 2020 Professor Tony Wong (Tony Leung Chiu-Wai), a brilliant neurologist working at the same institution, suspects a deep relationship between what is seen and unseen. Determined to make a connection, he seeks the supervision of world-renowned botanist Dr. Alice Sauvage (Léa Seydoux) to test his radical theory.
Over the span of the century, the incredible link between these humans goes unnoticed except by the tree, to which they are all spiritually connected, reminding us of the vitality and resilience of the natural world around us.
In this unclassifiable film the rhythms of non-human life supersede any human-centred drama. Formally audacious and texturally varied – its three sections are rendered in 35mm black-and-white, lush 16mm and crisp digital film respectively – Silent Friend is an engrossing, tender drama and a singular meditation on how we connect to the natural world, and to each other.
Getting Here and Getting In:
Parking at UWA is free after 5pm. We recommend car parks 1 and 5: check this map.
Allow time for parking: UWA hosts many events and sometimes it takes a little longer to find a space.
Doors open at 6pm. In 2026 the box office will be cashless.
Food and Drink
The pay-bar offers wines, beers, soft and hot drinks, along with chips, chocolate and, importantly, ice creams!
The Somerville Auditorium is also a BYO venue: bring your own picnic and favourite tipple.
We have many picnic tables and grassed areas.
Pre-ordering your gourmet pizza is crucial: order here.
Enjoying your film
The film starts at 8pm until 1 March 2026. From 2 March 2026 the film starts at 7.30pm.
Cushions courtesy of Lotterywest are available.
Seats are not assigned: on your arrival you can reserve a seat with a rug or cushion. Please don't leave single seat gaps.
We have plenty of seating, please do not bring your own.
There are four locations suitable for wheelchair users - please speak to a staff member on your arrival.
Nights can soemtimes be cool, so please rug up.
We treat the Auditorium for mosquitoes, but still bring your preferred mozzie spray.
Lost Property
If you've lost something during your night out, you can report it here.
Visit Perth Festival's website for more information.