‘Life-affirming and innovative’ film comes to Edinburgh

A ‘life-affirming and innovative’ film comes to Edinburgh

“Breathtakingly beautiful” – The Guardian   –   “Viewing should be compulsory” – The Mail

Summer in the Forest is the surprise success story of the summer’s documentary releases and this week makes its debut at Edinburgh’s Cameo Picturehouse. 

This is a contemplative indie film that stands apart in our frenetic times.  Its stars, who have intellectual disabilities, know something we don’t.  Something that will change our lives.

Summer in the Forest focuses on the lives of Philippe, Michel, Andre and Patrick – once labelled idiots and locked away in violent asylums – and the philosopher Jean Vanier, whose life and work has transformed their lives, and his.  Together they created L’Arche, a commune at the edge of a beautiful forest near Paris, and a quiet revolution was born.

Director Randall Wright says: “In a confusing power crazed world here is a place that makes surprising sense.  To paraphrase Jean Vanier, it may not be a utopia but it certainly offers hope to us all.”

Now in 30 cinemas, most of which are extending their runs, Summer in the Forest has attracted universal praise and tens of thousands of supporters, running for four straight weeks at a major West End cinema.

Reviewers have commended its “unparalleled calibre”, “poetic appreciation of humanity”, and its “joyously uplifting” tone, with a “the power to change lives”.
Producer Richard Wilson adds: “This is a life-affirming film that offers an alternative to our confrontational on-line world and the relentless pursuit of power and wealth. We hope the film gives people a connection with our common humanity.”

Randall’s follow-up to his critically acclaimed and award-winning film Hockney showcases compelling story-telling at its best. It offers us a beautifully-paced and magical glimpse of a reality where there is friendship, hope and wisdom to be found; if we just take the time to slow down and listen.

Summer in the Forest screens at the Picturehouse on Thurs 13th July 2.10pm & 6.00pm, Fri 14th July 4.10pm, Sat 15th July 4.10pm, Sun 16th July 4.10pm, Mon 17th July 4.10pm, Weds 19th July 4.10pm, and Thurs 20th July 4.10pm.

See https://www.picturehouses.com/cinema/Cameo_Picturehouse/film/summer-in-the-forest for further details. Box office 0871 902 5723.