Autlook Film Sales has acquired world sales rights for the Finnish film 'Once Upon a Time in a Forest,' set to premiere at the main competition of Copenhagen's CPH:DOX festival. The film, directed and produced by Virpi Suutari, won the $15,000 Al Jazeera Documentary Pitch Award at Cannes Marché du Film. Autlook Film Sales CEO expressed pride in Suutari's work, highlighting her unique cinematic style that captures the essence of a generation fostering responsible relationships with nature and society.
'Once Upon a Time in a Forest' celebrates Finnish old-growth forests and the efforts of passionate youths striving to protect them. Suutari's personal experience of inheriting a forest sparked her interest in forest preservation, leading her to focus on the Extinction Rebellion movement and its young activists Minka and Ida.
The film portrays the activists' fight against the forestry industry and political ideologies deeply rooted in Finland's economic history. Through visually stunning cinematography by Teemu Liakka, the film juxtaposes political themes with poetic and intimate moments in nature, aiming to challenge viewers' perceptions of environmental activism.
Suutari's intention was to blend politics with beauty to convey the activists' motivations and struggles effectively. By showcasing the natural world's allure, she hopes to engage audiences in understanding the urgency of biodiversity conservation and the impact of climate change on future generations.
'Once Upon a Time in a Forest' is poised to spark discussions on forest preservation in Finland, where commercial forest use dominates. The film's release coincides with the EU's biodiversity strategy, emphasizing the need to protect a significant portion of land and seas by 2030.
Collaborating with composer Sanna Salmenkallio and editor Juho Rautaniemi, Suutari crafted a compelling narrative that delves into the complexities of environmental activism and the emotional resonance it holds for the younger generation.
The film, produced by Suutari Euphoria Film in partnership with Al Jazeera and Finnish broadcaster Yle, is scheduled for a Finnish release on March 28. Autlook Film Sales' lineup at CPH:DOX also includes the award-winning Norwegian documentary 'Ibelin,' adding to its diverse slate of thought-provoking cinema.
