Kidney Stone Inspires Filmmaker's Captivating Exploration of Earth's Geological Wonders

In November 2025, Belgian filmmaker Sofie Benoot's documentary explores the intriguing connection between the human body and the Earth's geological history. The film's starting point is Benoot's recent removal of a kidney stone, which she assigns to her offscreen alter ego, voiced by the renowned actress Siân Phillips.

Through Phillips' narration, the documentary takes viewers on a captivating journey, examining the nature of rock and stone and their mysterious interrelation with the human experience. Benoot interviews ecologists and geologists from various parts of the world, including the island of Fogo in Cape Verde, the Palestinian territories, and California, to gain insights into the mineral composition of kidney stones and their origins.

One of the key discoveries is the presence of the mineral weddellite, found in the Weddell Sea off Antarctica, within Benoot's kidney stone. This prompts the narrator to ponder, "How on earth did an Antarctic mineral end up in my body?" The film also features an interview with Professor Lorna Dawson, a forensic soil specialist whose expertise has been instrumental in solving crimes.

Throughout the documentary, Benoot explores the concept of geological time, highlighting how stone is as dramatically churned up as a stormy ocean to those who understand it. The film suggests that our history is not only written in stone but may also hold clues to our "deep future," offering a unique perspective on the enduring connection between humanity and the Earth's ancient minerals.