Legendary filmmaker returns with a haunting meditation on nature and survival

August 28, 2025 — Celebrated director Werner Herzog unveiled his latest film, Ghost Elephants, at the 2025 Venice Film Festival, drawing both critical acclaim and emotional reactions from audiences. Known for his bold storytelling and fascination with the natural world, Herzog once again delivers a powerful cinematic exploration that blurs the line between documentary and poetry.

#Venice: The anthropological charms of this documentary are everywhere — except at its center.

Read our review for Werner Herzog's "Ghost Elephants": https://t.co/WKGNCvAHAq pic.twitter.com/sDXfjBj9hh

— IndieWire (@IndieWire) August 28, 2025

A Haunting Exploration of Nature

Ghost Elephants follows the mysterious lives of elephant herds that appear to vanish and reemerge in the wilderness of Africa, weaving myth, science, and philosophy into a visual narrative. With Herzog’s signature voice and haunting cinematography, the film captures the fragility of ecosystems and the enduring spirit of creatures that have long symbolized wisdom and resilience.

Standing Ovation at Venice

The Venice audience gave the film a lengthy standing ovation, cementing Herzog’s status as one of cinema’s most daring visionaries. Critics praised the film’s emotional resonance, calling it both “unsettling” and “sublimely beautiful.”

Herzog’s Vision

In press remarks, Herzog described the project as a reflection on “the invisible ties between memory, extinction, and survival.” He noted that elephants, often thought of as ghosts of ancient times, serve as metaphors for humanity’s own fragile relationship with the planet.

A Festival Highlight

Among a slate of big premieres, Ghost Elephants stood out as one of Venice’s most discussed entries. Its mixture of meditative storytelling, ecological urgency, and Herzog’s unmistakable voice has already positioned it as a potential awards-season contender.