London Premiere of ‘Forested Future’ at the Institute of Contemporary Arts

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.