CPH:DOX 2025 - Red Forest / Forêt Rouge

It started in opposition to a new airport, but grew into a social laboratory for equality, sustainability and a self-sufficient lifestyle. A large and diverse group of eco-activists, anti-capitalists and militant anarchists establishes a parallel society in ‘Red Forest’ where ideas are put into practice as an ideal model for future living takes shape.

More and more activists join and an anti-capitalist community emerges. Farms are renovated, cabins built on the water and abandoned houses are occupied. Here they can live according to their own ideals, instead of those dictated by the state. They discuss the future, establish themselves and throw parties. But the joy is short-lived. The state has no intention of allowing the activists to take over the area and create their own society. So they send the police to remove them, and suddenly the forest is painted flaming red.

'Red Forest' is a poetic David and Goliath tale, where David is an eco-activist with shields, helmets and Molotov cocktails in the backpack. Director Laurie Lassalle documents the spirit and atmosphere with loyalty and an extraordinarily confident cinematic vision.