Forest

World premiere: Thessaloniki IDFF 2024 / International Competiton

After graduating from university, Asia and Marek bought an old house near the eastern border of Poland. Located in Białowieża Forest, the oldest forest of Europe, the couple created their own paradise over the years - a place where their children can grow up safely, away from the problems of today's world. For Marysia, Ignacy and Franek the forest became their second home. Yet one day, things change as strangers show up. Refugees, unwelcome both in Poland and Belarus. Despite controversial border laws the whole family helps those who are in need. The new reality shows its impact on the children's world: they no longer play knights and princesses, but refugees and Border Guards. The growing humanitarian crisis on the EU border entered the family's safe place, leaving nothing as it used to be.

A FILM BY Lidia Duda | Poland, Czech Republik | 2024 | 84’ | Sales: Rise and Shine World Sales