Forest can reveal the dark depths of our souls, while it holds and protects us in our process of facing them. This is the basis of a silent dialogue between the protagonists and the forest in this film. As layered as the symbolism of forest is the human solitude.

Nikolai and Camille are living in foster institutions and a feeling of isolation and loneliness is deeply rooted in their experience. Camille was born abandoned as her mother left her after delivery and her father was never there, having a new family with another woman. Nikolai lives inward and his past is being revealed slowly to the viewer. Craving for connections and family, he persuades Camille to move into the forest with him. He wants to become a father he never had. Two lonely souls try to create a family that can only exist in complete isolation.

"Dark Heart of the Forest“ is a touching film about solitude and the search for love and peace. Spoken through young people who never had what commonly would be considered a family. With the help of film art, the authors have been able to capture the lively soul of the forest and have created strong symbolic undercurrents. The sound design recorded in the church with mystical acoustics, the direction that accurately captures the tones and halftones, and the mood-bearing cinematography keep the viewer on board.

Dora Lall