Rise and Shine Boards Lidia Duda’s Doc ‘Forest’ on Belarus-Poland Border Crisis, Also Depicted in Controversial ‘Green Border’: ‘Silence Equals Acceptance’ (EXCLUSIVE)

variety.com:

Marta Balaga Berlin-based Rise and Shine World Sales has acquired international rights to Lidia Duda’s documentary “Forest” ahead of European Film Market.

Previously noticed at Ji.hlava, where it picked up the New Visions Award. Duda’s film focuses on a Polish family living right next to the oldest European forest, trying to create a safe haven for their children.

But soon, they start noticing refugees stranded in the wilderness, unwelcome both in Poland and Belarus. “From the beginning, we felt a strong connection to the story,” admits Rise and Shine manager Anja Dziersk. “The encounters of the family with the refugees, in the midst of the forest, bring world politics down to a very personal experience.

It reflects on all of us: ‘What would I do in the same situation?’ Lidia Duda manages to create a film which is subjective yet highly relatable.” The Polish director – also behind “Fledglings” about the boarding school for visually impaired and blind children, awarded at Locarno – adds: “When this humanitarian crisis started, I saw comments supporting both sides, including the policies of the Polish government.