Once Upon a Time in a Forest

Young, in-love Finnish activists fight against cold-hearted commercial interests in a captivating documentary with Finland’s ancient forest as the main character.

Ida and Minka’s love for the forest has made them activists. Passionately, they fight within Extinction Rebellion against multinational corporations, authorities, and politicians. Virpi Suutari follows them during the planning and execution of actions, interspersed with enchanting, contemplative shots of animals and nature; escaping the brutal reality for a moment and gaining strength through cleansing baths in the dreamlike forest has become a survival strategy. Once Upon a Time in a Forest is a politically relevant film that thoughtfully clashes biodiversity, youthful awareness, and idealism against generational divides, toxic masculinity, and capitalist power structures.

• Camilla Larsson