THE FOREST (DE LA FOREST) International Feature Competition

Starring Eriq Ebouaney (LUMUMBA), THE FOREST is a magnificently perceptive story that probes the power and tensions of globalization.

Disillusioned with Gabon’s lazy political state , Gonaba disappears deep into the forest. Once there, he hopes to use formal education to help liberate the Pygmies from political persecution and social exclusion. However, it soon becomes clear that the Pygmies d o not feel the need to be liberated, believing that so long as the spirit is free, so is the man. In fact, they feel that the Big Man who has appeared among them is the one in need of education.

THE FOREST is a treasure of insight into the human condition and the modern global situation. Graced with a quiet, understated style, the codirectors skillfully trace this hidden world, establishing themselves as key figures in a new generation of African cinema. The power of this film is in the compelling performances from actual Pygmies-none of whom had seen a camera before or knew anything about the filmmaking process.