Forest of the Dancing Spirits

Synopsis

The Yaka/Mbendjele tribe lives in one of the world’s last untouched rainforests, deep in the mists of the Congo Basin. After centuries of minimal contact with Westerners, their world is about to change: Congo’s largest logging company is razing the forest. Award-winning filmmaker Linda Västrik lived among this generous people for several years, respectfully observing their fascinating way of life. Far from a stoic meditation on a disappearing civilization, each lush frame of this visual love letter pours out with humour, drama and a natural beauty made so tangible, you almost feel the forest’s leaves against your skin.

Director Biography

Linda Västrik (1972) is focused on documenting reality as drama. In 1991-92 she studied photography at International Center of Photography in New York. She continued studies in photography at the Faculty of Fine, Applied and Performing Arts at the University of Gothenburg. Later she studied the art and craft of directing documentaries at the University College of Film, Radio, Television and Theatre in Stockholm. Forest of the Dancing Spirits is Västrik’s first full-length feature documentary.