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Love Letter to a Tree (EN)

Logline:
Based on a true story and nature-inspired poetry, Love Letter to a Tree follows IRA, a young woman whose hectic life is transformed when she discovers a hidden letter in an old tree. As she uncovers the thoughts of MAJA, who once found solace beneath the same tree, IRA embarks on a journey of self-discovery, forging a deep connection to nature that offers wisdom, strength, and peace amidst life’s chaos.

Long Synopsis:
Based on a true story and poems by nature loving poets, "Love Letter to a Tree" tells the story of IRA, a young woman who has an unexpected encounter with a tree while jogging. Initially absorbed by loud, driving music and the hectic rhythm of her life, her perception becomes increasingly focused on the tree, which suddenly becomes more than just an incidental part of the landscape.

As IRA approaches the tree, she begins to discover an unexpected message - a letter hidden in the tree. This letter is from a woman named Maja, who has written down her thoughts, feelings and experiences in the shadow of the tree. Through the words in Maja's letter and the journey IRA undertakes by reading it, she develops a deep connection to the tree. She begins to discover not only the tree, but also her own connection to nature and to herself in a new way and with all her senses.

The film explores the timeless wisdom and quiet strength of nature, embodied by the tree, which becomes a friend, mentor and companion to both Maja and IRA. Also emphasizes the intergenerational exchange and the wisdom that lies in an older life.
The story alternates between the perspectives of IRA, MAJA and the tree, connecting past and present, showing how important intact nature is for us humans and how it can give us support when the world around us is chaotic and overwhelming.

Love Letter to a Tree is a poetic tale about the cycle of life, about loss, growth and the power of the connection between man and nature.

  • Simona Theoharova
    Director
  • Anke Sabrina Beermann
    Writer
  • Simona Theoharova
    Writer
  • Anke Sabrina Beermann
    Producer
  • Simona Theoharova
    Producer
  • Anke Sabrina Beermann
    Key Cast
    "IRA"
  • Friederike Frerichs
    Key Cast
    "MAJA"
  • Diana Knauthe
    Key Cast
    "Maja Dubbing Voice"
  • Thomas Schmuckert
    Key Cast
    "German Poem"
  • Ehab Ghafri
    Key Cast
    "Arabic Poem"
  • Lydia Georgantzi
    Key Cast
    "English Poem"
  • Simona Theoharova
    Key Cast
    "Bulgarian Poem"
  • Bernadette Marquardt
    Editor
  • Sascha Blank
    Composer
  • Nico Hertel
    Sound Editor
  • Benjamin Christ
    Sound Recordist
  • Amaya Benbow
    Camera
  • Nikolas Mühe
    Camera
  • Simona Theoharova
    Camera
  • Viktoria Theoharova (HUDDY)
    Costume Design
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    9 minutes 49 seconds
  • Country of Origin:
    Bulgaria
  • Country of Filming:
    Germany
  • Language:
    English
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Simona Theoharova

Born in Sofia, Bulgaria, 1986.
Working on projects with social impact, activism on justice, integration, freedom, peace since 2002.
Acting on stage since 2004.
Diploma in psychology in Münster, Germany 2010.
Acting in various movies since 2012.
Since 2017, producing with Caravan Fantasia in Sofia, Bulgaria.
2017/2018 production of award-nominated shorts MairiM (producer and writer) and (L)Only (prod., writer)
2019-2023 documentary miniseries tripleF*** (prod.,dir.,writer)
Since 2021 Head Author at "Selina - a narrative VR adventure" (in cooperation with Meta Platforms Inc., part of the Biennale di Venezia 2023)
2024 "Love letter to a Tree" first fictional short as a director.

Further filmography on: imdb.me/simonatheoharova

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

My aim with Love Letter to a Tree is to immerse the audience in the soothing, transformative power of nature.

By embracing an experiential approach to connecting with nature, we invite viewers to build a relationship rooted in sensory calming, love and empathy, rather than relying on preaching about sustainable behavior.

Using unique camera angles to show the world from the tree’s perspective, combined with a subtle ASMR-inspired sound design, we create an immersive sensory experience. The calming effect and quiet wisdom embodied by the tree invite viewers to slow down, reflect, and shift their perspective on the natural world around them.

By drawing attention to the beauty and resilience of this hundred-year-old tree, the film encourages audiences to look at their own environment with fresh eyes, fostering empathy and respect for trees, nature, and all living beings—both inside and outside the cinema. My hope is that this connection will inspire more mindful, caring, and protective actions toward our planet.