Feature-length film examines Appalachian forest communities and long-term land stewardship.
The American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) is set to bring its latest documentary, Forested Future, to Asian audiences in 2026, following screenings across Europe and its UK premiere earlier this year.
Directed by filmmaker Petr Krejčí and produced by AHEC Europe, the feature-length film offers an immersive portrait of Appalachian forest communities in the eastern US. Inspired by A Trillion Trees, a book by British environmental journalist Fred Pearce, the documentary explores how forests and long-term stewardship could play a role in addressing the climate crisis.
Forested Future has screened at several European film festivals, including the Ji.hlava International Documentary Film Festival in the Czech Republic and the Barcelona International Architecture Film Festival (BARQ Festival). Its UK premiere took place at the Institute of Contemporary Arts in London on 3 Nov 2025. The film is available in multiple language editions, including Czech, French, Italian, German and Spanish.
The documentary examines how increasing urbanisation has weakened society’s connection to nature and to the materials used to build and furnish cities. Through interviews and observation, it follows foresters, farmers, artisans, ecologists and timber workers whose livelihoods are closely tied to America’s hardwood forests.
By focusing on what it describes as “tree time” — thinking beyond human lifespans — the film presents a case for traditional land stewardship aligned with natural cycles. It argues that regenerative forestry can help meet material needs while restoring ecosystems and rebuilding the relationship between people and the natural environment.
An Asia release is planned for 2026, expanding the film’s reach to new audiences amid growing global debate over sustainable resource use and climate resilience.
Watch the trailer here:
