The Island and the Trees (2026)

The Island and the Trees is a 2026 Taiwanese documentary reflecting on landscape, memory, ecology, and the relationship between people and the natural world. Its island setting provides a vast visual environment in which trees can become symbols of endurance, history, and the layers of experience embedded in a place.

The film takes a contemplative documentary approach, favoring observation and atmosphere over a tightly constructed narrative. Its long-form runtime gives the subject room to develop through images and reflections on Taiwan's landscapes.

• The original title is Shen mu zhi dao.
• Hsiang-hsiu Lee directed the documentary.
• The film was released in Taiwan on May 15, 2026.
• It runs for approximately 131 minutes.
• IMDb listed an early rating of approximately 7.3/10.