Phytocene takes place in a hypothetical future where the human race no longer exists. In the image, we discover a strange plant growing in the middle of a clearing. As we move further into the video, the shot widens, revealing lights on stands illuminating the plant, reminding us of an interview setup.
Through subtitles, this plant speaks to us, describing its survival in the Anthropocene era and offering a narrative of coexistence between the plant world and humans. Revisiting human history from a perspective that does not place humans at the center, Phytocene addresses the environmental crisis and proposes its own resolution. However, within this resolution, which evokes the disappearance of humans, the presence of the light stands and the interview format suggest, without naming it, the survival of individuals.
Through the visual choice of a long zoom-out, which places us face to face with this plant, without detours or cutaway shots, Phytocene compels us to listen to the story of this mysterious plant. Finally, the absence of the journalist character, who does not appear on screen or ask questions, forces the viewer into this position.