As wilding and other methods of land conservation become increasingly common subjects of conversation, this timely biopic of Polish ecologist Simona Kossak from director Adrian Panek (Werewolf, 2018) features a fierce and committed performance from Sandra Drzymalska (Eo, 2022) in the title role. Scion of the celebrated Kossak family of painters and poets, Simona fought to forge her own path, seeking an elemental life close to nature. Employed to work in the Białowieża Forest, Simona meets photographer Lech (Jakub Gierszał), whose support she relies on as she contends with the clear disdain exhibited by her patrician mother (Agata Kulesza) for what she sees as Simona’s obstinacy and eccentricities. She must also face the gradual realisation that the work she is doing, borne of genuine love for her environment, is being twisted to suit other agendas, and that not all in the forest is as it seems.

The screening will be followed by a Q&A with lead actor Sandra Drzymalska.

Notes by Kevin Coyne.

Screening as part of IFI Kinopolis Polish Film Festival.