Cry Of The Forests

Jarrah is a type of hardwood that is unique only to a forest located in the southwestern corner of Western Australia. Home to a variety of native plant and animal species, the Jarrah Forest is an integral part of the Australian ecosystem and is on the verge of extinction due to the deforestation practices still going on, despite the continuous protests from local communities. Directed by Jane Hammond, ‘Cry of the Forest’ takes us to the forefront of this ongoing injustice, revealing the damage it is causing to the environment.

‘It’s very hard to see any case for continued native forest logging’.
– Dr. Bill Hare

Hammond consistently focuses on imagery/stills of the forest either cut down and dismantled, always reminding the audience of the damage being caused. The hum of the soundtrack casts a dark shadow over the film that we can’t shake, a purposeful emotive quality that comes with the film and makes for a powerful experience.

Piecing together interviews from volunteers, protesters and locals in the community with landscape shots of the areas affected and footage taken on smartphones (following the tree excavators deep into the forest), the film is organically dramatised and provocative in its presentation and message. There is an interconnectedness that Hammond draws between the forest and the human race, something that is deep and profound. ‘Cry of the Forest’ speaks volumes for a forest that gives so much and asks very little in return.