Notes From the Woods
A meditative film journey takes the viewer to the Estonian forest, where large predators bears, wolves and lynxes go about their daily business.
The action takes place in a forest clearing that is used as a feeding ground for eagles. Proud white-tailed eagles and exceptionally long-legged golden eagles feast on fish heads. Suddenly, the eagles flee because a wolf, Estonia's national animal, has come to the feeding ground. The wolf is very cautious because he knows that fish heads do not move on dry land, and their mover is probably somewhere nearby. The desire to make an easy profit overcomes fear and the wolf, one of the main characters in our film, grabs the fish head and quickly darts between the trees to sniff it out. The wolf's instincts do not fail him, the feeding ground is managed by a man who has a shelter at the edge of the ground, where he films the life of the animals. The forest dwellers go fishing one after another, sometimes alone, sometimes in herds, sometimes peacefully, sometimes quarreling with each other. The film shows intriguing, sometimes unexpected situations, without offering direct commentary. The viewer could get a feeling of immediate presence.
Riho Västrik (1965) is an Estonian filmmaker, producer, screenwriter, journalist and historian. He studied history and journalism at the University of Tartu, earning a bachelor’s degree, and later completed a master’s degree in film production at the Baltic Film, Media and Arts School in Tallinn, where he later became a lecturer. He began his career in theatre and broadcast media before turning to documentary filmmaking. In 1996, he founded his own production company, Vesilind, which has since become a prominent name in Estonian documentary film production. His films often explore remote regions, expeditions, and human encounters with nature, reflecting his passion for history, exploration, and the environment. Notable works include “Teekond Araratile” (“Journey to Ararat”, 2011), “Tulekahju paine” (“Pressure of Fire”, 2013), “Päikese kodanik” (“Citizen of Sun”, 2025).
Filmography:
Teekond Araratile (Journey to Ararat, 2011, doc), Tulekahju paine (The Burden of Fire, 2013, doc), Päikese kodanik (Citizen of Sun, 2025. doc), Kriimsilm, karuott ja rebane. Märkmeid metsast (Notes From the Woods, 2025, doc)