In the heart of a botanical garden in a medieval university town in Germany stands a majestic ginkgo tree. Throughout a century of change, this silent witness has observed the quiet rhythms of transformation across three human lives.

2020: a neuroscientist from Hong Kong explores the mind of babies and begins an unexpected, mind-altering experiment with the ancient tree.

1972: a young student is profoundly changed by the simple act of observing and connecting with a geranium.

1908: through the lens of photography, the university’s first female student discovers sacred patterns of the universe hidden within the humblest of plants.

As we follow the three protagonists’ attempts to connect — each one of them deeply rooted in their own present — they are transformed by the quiet, enduring, and mysterious power of nature.

Hi Gloss Entertainment presents SILENT FRIEND – a new feature by Illdiko Enyedi starring Tony Leung Chiu-Wai, Lea Seydoux, Luna Weidler and Enzo Brumm. Premiering at the 2025 Venice Film Festival, it has won 6 awards including the FIPRESCI award and the Marcello Mastroianni Award for Best Young Actor for Luna Weidler.