The holiday season is ramping up and you’re probably exhausted already. Getting the house ready if you are hosting and making sure the gifts are wrapped and ready to go can be exhausting work. Hopefully, you’ve got some time in the evening to put your feet up, watch something fascinating and recharge your batteries. If so, I got you covered.
The world of fungi is far more fascinating than most of us realise; the more we learn, the more we realise how little we know.
As someone who’s spent years researching the wonders of fungi, I can tell you that each of these films reveals something profound about the intelligence of nature. I’m gonna start with 5 epic fungi documentaries that you don’t want to miss.
What you will learn in these films will be great conversation topics over the holiday season. Not small talk, not political talk, pure FUN-GUY talk (pun intended) 🤪
1. Fantastic Fungi (2019)
Link: Watch the trailer on YouTube
Summary: If you haven’t experienced this visual masterpiece yet, you’re in for a treat! Directed by Louie Schwartzberg and featuring our beloved Paul Stamets (yes, the same mycologist whose stacking protocol we often discuss!), this film is pure magic.
The time-lapse photography will leave you speechless, but it’s the message about fungi’s potential to heal both ourselves and our planet that truly resonates. From treating mental health conditions to decomposing environmental pollutants – this film shows us just how versatile these organisms are.
2. The Kingdom: How Fungi Made Our World (2018)
Link: Watch the trailer on YouTube
Summary: This documentary blew my mind with its revelations about how fungi have been quietly shaping our world for over a billion years.
Think about that for a moment – while we’re all focused on our daily lives, these ancient organisms have been orchestrating the dance of life since before plants even existed!
3. The Magic of Mushrooms (2014)
Link: Watch on YouTube
Summary: Join Professor Richard Fortey on a journey through ancient British woodlands that will transform how you see these remarkable organisms. This is the kind of documentary that makes you stop and notice the hidden magic in every forest walk.
4. Planet Fungi (2017)
Link: Watch on YouTube
Summary: Ready for some breathtaking time-lapse photography from the world’s most biodiverse hotspots? This series takes us on a journey through the rainforests of India, China, and Australia, revealing fungi species that seem almost alien in their beauty.
5. The Life Of The Forest: Fungi
Link: Watch on YouTube
Summary: Ever heard of the “Wood Wide Web”? This documentary dives deep into how fungi facilitate communication between plants – nature’s very own internet that’s been operating for millions of years!
Before You Press Play
These documentaries show us that fungi might hold solutions to some of humanity’s biggest challenges, from mental health to overall well-being and even environmental restoration.
In fact, fungi were here before any of us. Known as the third kingdom, you can read more about to find out how mushrooms were here before plants.
Be sure to keep an eye out for part 2 of this blog where I list 5 more documentaries for you. Part 2 drops on boxing day, so go ahead and schedule yourself as ‘busy’ and unavailable so that you can feed your mind, nourish your levels of wonder and recharge your energy levels.
Be sure to let me know which of these doccies you enjoyed the most in the comments below.
As always
Shine bright. Do good. Flow strong 🎄 💫
Asha ✨
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