Once Upon a Time in a Forest เสียงสุดท้ายของผืนป่า

Once Upon a Time in a Forest - The Last Voice of the Forest

If you've ever watched a documentary and felt that it was "hard to understand" or "made no sense," I urge you to open your heart to "Once Upon a Time in a Forest." This documentary is beautiful, profound, and filled with the energy of a new generation fighting to protect Finland's forests from destruction. The cinematography in this film is nothing short of breathtaking! We will witness the nature of Finland's forests through every season, from sunlight streaming through the trees and crystal-clear lakes to snow-covered forests resembling scenes from a fairy tale. Nature lovers must not miss this!

The Fight of a New Generation to Protect the Forest

This documentary, directed by Virpi Suutari, follows the lives of Ida and Minka, two activists from the group Extinction Rebellion who strive to protect the remaining lush forests in Finland. They gather data on rare plant species, use their voices to call for justice, and confront large logging companies. One particularly heartbreaking scene features Minka, in tears, speaking to a paper company executive, asking, "When will you see the truth?" In response, the executive chooses to remain silent, as if they are fully aware of the problem but ignore it.

When Generational Perspectives Clash

This documentary addresses the forest and clearly reflects the conflicts between generations. Particularly poignant is the scene where Ida talks with her grandfather, who spent his entire life working in the logging industry. This confrontation showcases differing perspectives: older generations may view the use of forestry resources as part of economic development, while younger generations see it as destruction of the environment and the planet's future. The documentary reflects that changing this mindset is not easy but necessary.

Stunning Visuals and Sound

Its cinematic quality sets "Once Upon a Time in a Forest" apart from typical environmental documentaries. Every frame is meticulously shot, beautifully showcasing the wonders of nature, from lush forests to tranquil winter landscapes. Combined with thought-provoking narration and the sounds of nature, it makes you feel like you are in the forest.

A Voice Echoing on the Global Stage

“Once Upon a Time in a Forest” has gained international recognition. It has been screened at various film festivals, including CPH:DOX 2024 and DOK Leipzig 2024, and has received acclaim for its content and presentation. This documentary is stunning and serves as a voice for a new generation eager to create change in the world.

If you're searching for a documentary that imparts knowledge, highlights the beauty of nature, and provides insights that provoke questions about our world, this is a must-see. While some segments may evoke sadness or stress, it ultimately enables you to sense the power of hope, love, and the small voices rising to protect the environment.

▶ Watch the documentary Once Upon a Time in a Forest Amidst the mysterious embrace of Finland’s ancient woodlands, we follow the lives of young people who live in deep harmony with nature. They swim in crystal-clear lakes and find peace beneath towering trees. But this beauty is under threat—forests are facing extinction, a crisis driven by human hands.

The film takes us to the heart of the forest and the center of a growing conflict through the story of Ida, a 22-year-old woman whose deep love for the forest leads her to become the leader of the Forest Movement—a group of passionate youth challenging both societal bias and a powerful, government-backed logging industry.

Beyond following their journey and acts of civil disobedience, the documentary stands out for its stunning cinematography, capturing the delicate beauty of the forest’s smallest inhabitants. It’s a visual reminder of why these wild places are worth protecting.

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About Author

Poramuth Weerasakthara

VIPA Crew: An aspiring reviewer who wants to share stories from the voice within.