“The Forest“ directed by Lidia Duda / documentary / 2024 / 85 min. / Poland, Czechia

Asia and Marek, after graduating, bought an old house near Poland’s eastern border, in the Białowieża Forest, Europe’s oldest forest. This is their little paradise—a place where they intended their children to grow up safely, far from the troubles of the modern world. For Marysia, Ignacy, and Franek, the forest is a second home, familiar and non-threatening. But one day, the forest changes. Strangers, Others, Refugees—unwanted both in Poland and Belarus—begin to appear. The entire family helps them, despite the fact that Polish law prohibits it, because how can you leave another human being without assistance?