Scorsese Stunned, Joins Ghobadi’s ‘Trees Are Watching’ as Exec Producer

The world premiere of “Trees Are Watching” is slated for Friday at the Toronto Film Festival, and the film’s roster has just grown with the addition of legendary director‑producer Martin Scorsese.

Scorsese will serve as an executive producer alongside Lucas Akoskin and Bahoz Nasradin, a move that underscores the long‑standing friendship between the American filmmaker and Iranian director Bahman Ghobadi.

The collaboration comes after Scorsese’s history of championing Ghobadi’s work. In 2012, he presented “Rhino Season” at TIFF, where it opened the festival.

The two have also shared New York studios, with Ghobadi working on the sets of “The Wolf Of Wall Street” and appearing in a scene of “The Irishman.” Their professional relationship has stretched over a decade, with Scorsese frequently supporting Ghobadi’s projects.

“Trees Are Watching” is a psychological horror centered on Darya, played by Eva Green, who returns to her hometown of Mardin with her deaf daughter. The story intertwines personal memories, a Kurdish legend, and the environmental devastation surrounding the area.

For Ghobadi, the narrative is deeply personal; he has said it reflects nightmares that followed his 18 years of exile and his musings on humanity’s connection to nature.

## Background & Context

Bahman Ghobadi has built a reputation as a festival regular, with films that have appeared at Cannes, Berlin, San Sebastian, TIFF and other major events.

His previous work includes “A Time For Drunken Horses,” “Turtles Can Fly,” “Half Moon” and “No One Knows About Persian Cats.” “Trees Are Watching” adds to a filmography that consistently explores cultural identity and social issues.

The film’s production team features Seyfi Sahin, Ghobadi, Lydia Dean Pilcher and Golriz Ehtiati. It is produced by MIJ Film and presented by Open the Door. Scorsese’s role as executive producer adds a new layer of prestige to the project, highlighting his long‑standing support for international cinema.

Scorsese’s involvement follows earlier instances where he has publicly championed international filmmakers, including his presentation of “Rhino Season” in 2012. That event showcased a collaboration between Iranian and Italian talent and helped introduce Ghobadi’s work to wider audiences.

Their relationship has continued through various collaborations in New York, cementing a professional bond that spans years.

## What People Are Saying

While no direct quotes are available in the source material, Scorsese has formally joined the production as executive producer signals strong confidence in Ghobadi’s vision. The film’s lead actress, Eva Green, will appear in Toronto for the world premiere, underscoring a united cast and crew ready to showcase the horror narrative.

The partnership also highlights Scorsese’s ongoing commitment to supporting diverse voices in cinema. By lending his name and influence to “Trees Are Watching,” he provides a platform that may broaden the film’s reach beyond festival circuits and into mainstream audiences.

Industry observers note that Ghobadi’s previous works have consistently earned critical acclaim, and Scorsese’s endorsement could elevate the film’s profile even further. With both directors’ reputations, the festival buzz is expected to be significant.

## What Happens Next

“Trees Are Watching” will open at the Toronto Film Festival this Friday, with Ghobadi and actor Murat Yıldırım in attendance. The film will run as part of the festival’s competitive slate, offering audiences an opportunity to experience a unique blend of psychological horror and cultural storytelling.

Following its premiere, the film is likely to tour other international festivals, given Ghobadi’s track record of festival success. The production company may also pursue wider distribution deals, leveraging Scorsese’s name to attract distributors interested in world cinema.

For fans of either director, the premiere provides a chance to witness the culmination of years of collaboration and mutual respect. The combination of Ghobadi’s storytelling and Scorsese’s production oversight promises a film that is both artistically ambitious and commercially compelling.

The world premiere marks the next step in a journey that began with Scorsese presenting “Rhino Season” at TIFF in 2012.

Now, with “Trees Are Watching,” the two filmmakers continue to push the boundaries of international cinema, blending horror, memory, and environmental themes into a film that is set to make a strong impact on festival audiences and beyond.