F*ck for Forest 2012
Distributed by Cinema Guild, 115 West 30th Street, Suite 800, New York, NY 10001; 212-685-6242
Producer n/a
Directed by Michał Marczak
DVD, color, 85 min.
College - General Adult
Activism, Environmentalism, Pornography
Date Entered: 05/08/2014
Reviewed by Tom Ipri, Drexel UniversityF*ck for Forest is an NGO which produces amateur still and video pornography delivered via their web site to raise money for environmental causes. Michał Marczak's documentary of the same name follows some key members of the organization as they discuss what they are trying to achieve and as they recruit people for their site. The film culminates in the group traveling to Peru to offer help to a poor community.
F*ck for Forest presents fascinating portraits of young adults who forego many conventional comforts to work for a cause they believe in. Refusing to use any of the money they raise for anything other than the causes they support, the members live in cramped quarters and dig through dumpsters for sustenance. Many of the members believe in open relationships which creates a certain amount of strife among them.
The film takes an interesting turn when the group travels to Peru where their idealism conflicts with a population deeply suspicious of any Western interference. The members of the organization are shocked and dismayed by the combativeness and accusations they face. The reaction of the villagers to their offer of aid takes the film to a deeper and more nuanced level.
F*ck for Forest is a compelling and challenging documentary. Although the sex displayed in the film is very appropriate to the context, it is at times very graphic limiting its educational applications to upper level college and graduate students in classes focusing on social justice, environmental issues and community activism.