“If
you are quiet in nature, the nature starts to reveal itself. We all
die, but what is dying?” Europe’s oldest forest inspires reflection on
the symbiosis of death and the nature of rebirth among four individuals
deeply affected by its mysteries… Exquisitely shot, this poetic
meditation on life and death introduces us to Zbigniew who
takes care of the bisons, Jerzy – a passionate entomologist, Joanna an
artist transformed by the solace of the forest, and Janusz who walks
the forest and ruminates on the effects we humans have on nature. This
is an environmental film for the ages.
Johanna
Lampi began studying environmental protection at the University of
Helsinki in 1997. She has become very interested in examining human
attitudes and views toward nature and our place in the world, in a
visual medium. She began audiovisual studies in Helsinki Polytechnic
Stadia and worked as a sound recordist in environmental film
productions. Now her dream is to make professional productions on
human-nature/environmental issues.
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The Nature of Rebirth was the perfect beginning for this festival, right from the beginning quote to its eternal themes of birth, death and renewal. This little (15-minute) gem contemplated the environment from the widest perspective possible, while being fully grounded in the reality of one local forest.
The actual forest, which sits mainly in Poland but flows over the border into Russia, remains protected but only tenuously. Globalization continues to provide the financial incentives for exploitation, such as logging and poaching, while treaties for protection are dependent on the politics of the day.
Director Johanna Lampi offered her unique perspective after the screening, stressing the constant struggle to maintain the forest’s delicate balance. Definitely check this out and keep your eyes open for her future work.