Last night was a celebration of hope: that in an increasingly urbanised world of eight billion people, there remains a future that is forested.

The London premiere of ‘Forested Future’ took place at the Institute of Contemporary Arts, where the 90-minute documentary by award-winning Czech filmmaker Petr Krejčí and American Hardwood Export Council, traces the power and provenance of eastern forest hardwoods, through the architectural practice of Alison Brooks, exploring the stories that link us to these ancient forests and the people who depend on them for their livelihoods – from foresters, artisans and ecologists to the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin.

Brooks’s journey began with her mother’s love of the Arts and Crafts movement, which first sparked her interest in architecture. In the film, she traces the origins of the cherrywood used in her projects back to its source, elevating timber from mere building material to a medium for emotional and spiritual connection.

As the documentary observes: “Our connection with nature is fading. In the face of climate change, biodiversity threats and environmental decline, sources of optimism are increasingly precious.” In the spirit of optimism, the evening crescendoed with an electrifying performance by Van Wagner – forester, educator and musician also featured in the film – who had the entire venue stomping and singing along in unison.

The film continues its journey at the Barcelona International Architecture Film Festival (BARQ), with its premiere at Cinemes Girona on 6 November at 6pm, following its screening at the Ji.hlava International Documentary Film Festival in Prague at the end of October.

Learn more about the film here.

Alison Brooks will deliver a keynote lecture in Barcelona this week as part of the Barcelona International Architecture Film Festival (BARQ), marking the world premiere of ‘Forested Future’.

The 90-minute documentary by Petr Krejčí exploring the power and provenance of eastern forest hardwoods, particularly American Black Cherry, through the lens of Alison’s practice as an architect.

Lecture: An Architecture of Nature

📅 Wednesday, 5 November, 19:30 – 20:30
📍 Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC)
Carrer de Pujades, 102, Sant Martí, 08005 Barcelona

Beyond its environmental benefits and structural potential, Brooks elevates timber from a building material to a medium for emotional and spiritual connection. Her understanding of context as physical, cultural and spiritual stems from her dual Canadian-European education and her growing appreciation for North American indigenous peoples’ worldview.

As the film observes, “in an increasingly urbanised world of eight billion people, our connection with nature is fading. In the face of climate change, biodiversity threats and environmental decline, sources of optimism are increasingly precious.”
The Spanish national premiere of the film, ‘Forested Future’, follows the day after the lecture, at Cinemes Girona on Thursday, 6 November at 18:00.

🎟️ Tickets for the lecture (5 Nov) and film premiere (6 Nov) are available at the box office or online.

Keynote ‘An Architecture of Nature’ at Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC) Wed, 11.5.25

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona, Spain

When

05.11.2025

Where

Barcelona, Spain

This November marks the world premiere of Forested Future, a 90-minute documentary by Petr Krejčí that traces the power and provenance of eastern forest hardwoods, specifically the American Black Cherry, through the practice of architect Alison Brooks.

Born in Canada and one of the UK’s most influential and internationally acclaimed architects, Brooks’ architectural ethos bridges cultural memory and the future. From experimental houses and installations to landmark cultural institutions and large-scale mixed-use developments, her practice is known for architecture that weaves together community connections, material expression and environmental responsibility.

Beyond its environmental benefits and structural potential, Brooks elevates timber from a building material to a medium for emotional and spiritual connection. Her understanding of context as physical, cultural and spiritual stems from her dual Canadian-European education and her growing appreciation for North American indigenous peoples’ worldview. Tapping into animism – the belief that nature comprises beings with whom we can form relationships – she draws upon a profound reverence for the natural world, returning each summer to the Canadian wilderness that continues to shape her vision. Her selection of American black cherry timber serves as both a signature palette and a personal tribute to her mother, who instilled in her an appreciation for the grain and warmth of antique cherrywood furniture. It was also through her mother’s love of history and the Arts and Crafts movement that Alison’s interest in architecture was first sparked.

As the film itself observes: “In an increasingly urbanised world of eight billion people, our connection with nature is fading. In the face of climate change, biodiversity threats and environmental decline, sources of optimism are increasingly precious.”

Forested Future explores our complex relationship with trees and forests, following the individuals and communities working to restore the deep-rooted bond we share with nature. From foresters, artisans, and ecologists to the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, this gently inspiring documentary gives voice to those whose sense of identity is inseparable from the forests of the Appalachian Mountains in which they live and work.

Barcelona Premiere: BARQ Film Festival, Cinemes Girona, 6th November – 6pm

Learn more about the film here.

Forested Future: A Petr Krejčí Documentary Featuring Alison Brooks Mon, 11.3.25

London and Barcelona

London and Barcelona

When

03.11.2025

Where

London and Barcelona