Story
After the death of his mother, a grieving young boy retreats into the forest where he buries her ashes and struggles to make sense of a world forever changed. There, he forms an extraordinary bond with Miriam, an ancient maple tree whose wisdom, warmth, and quiet humor help him navigate the painful journey from loss toward healing. As their unlikely friendship deepens, the boy discovers that nature can offer comfort, connection, and hope in even the darkest moments. But when Miriam's own survival is threatened, he must confront the possibility of losing the friend who helped mend his broken heart. Blending magical realism with an urgent message of environmental stewardship, A Wood's Tale is a heartfelt fable about grief, resilience, and the profound interconnectedness between people and the natural world.
Director's Statement
Hiking in the woods has always helped me navigate through life. The wilderness has been my creative muse, spirit guide, therapist, doctor, wellness coach, and a source of bliss. During the pandemic, while grieving the loss of a parent, a job, and the familiar rhythms of everyday life, my visits to the forest to see my towering friends became a life-line. One day, I stopped to record the trees creaking in the wind. They sounded as though they were speaking—asking me to slow down, listen, and breathe. That moment inspired a story about a grieving child whose relationship with a tree restores his capacity for joy.
Looking back, I know these visits rescued me. In fact, nothing before had ever brought me such inner peace and serenity as the kingdom of the trees. Out of the struggle to make sense of a chaotic time, I wandered to the woods for healing and connection, and was inspired to tell a story of hope, courage and how intertwined our existence is with the natural world.