“Havumetsän lapset | Once Upon a Time in a Forest” screening at the Nordish Embassy
Virpi Suutari’s documentary sheds light on young activists battling to protect Finland’s ancient forests
March 21st, 2025
On March 13th, the Nordish Embassy hosted a screening of the documentary Havumetsän lapset | Once Upon a Time in a Forest, followed by a Q&A session with director Virpi Suutari.
Virpi Suutari is an acclaimed Finnish filmmaker, known for her critically praised documentaries Garden Lovers (2014) and The Idle Ones (2001). Her latest documentary, Havumetsän lapset, follows the story of two young activists, Ida and Minka, who engage in non-violent protests against the Finnish forestry industry to protect the country’s forests.
The film depicts the two young women talking to their group, their grandparents, board members of the timber industry, and repeatedly going out into nature to try to connect with their surroundings. The stunning images make a strong case for the preservation of this habitat, showcasing the remnants of the primaeval forests in all their splendor.
The two protagonists collaborate with other young activists and receive support from the global movement Extinction Rebellion.
Extinction Rebellion was founded in the UK in October 2018 following mass protests against the British government. Since then, it has grown into an international movement advocating for urgent climate action.
References:
- - https://www.nordischebotschaften.org/veranstaltungen/havumetsaen-lapset-once-upon-a-time-in-a-forest/
- - https://rebellion.global/about-us/
