The Trees Are Hissing

What is an image of the future?

Overview

In 2024, an extraordinary phenomenon unfolded in Illinois: the simultaneous emergence of billions of periodical cicadas—an event occurring every 221 years. Part travelogue and essay, the film chronicles the bicentennial encounter of species by following those who listen closely to the cicadas’ songs, while connecting the insect life cycle to the history of America. Through deep listening sessions, and in the quest for hearing the elusive cicada sounds, one may ask: what is an image of the future?