Once Upon a Time in a Forest

Finland consists largely of lakes and forests, but 90 percent of the woodland is used for commercial purposes, to the detriment of flora and fauna alike. Two young environmental activists, Ida and Minka, put their love of nature into action, working with Extinction Rebellion to fight for greater biodiversity and a sustainable future.

This evocative documentary stays close to them as they attend meetings, plan and carry out actions, meet with corporations, talk with family members, join excursions into the forest, and go out dancing with friends. And throughout this process, the film presents the natural world they are fighting so hard to preserve—the forests, the waterways, the animals—in an almost tactile way and with great attention to detail, accompanied by slightly melancholic music.

The film also reveals the ruthless face of capitalism, personified by representatives of multinationals who are unmoved by the activists’ arguments, and only start looking uncomfortable when the tears flow.