Need a “forest fix”? Watch our top 5 ancient forest films!
Looking for something to pass the time while self-isolating? Check out some of our favourite ancient forest videos! ??
1. Giant Tree Hunters
Get a glimpse into the life of AFA’s big tree hunters and their efforts to find and protect Canada’s largest trees and grandest ancient groves. The film features AFA’s TJ Watt and former Executive Director Ken Wu, forest ecologists Dr. Andy MacKinnon and Dr. Sally Aitken of the BC Big Tree Registry, and tree climbers Matthew Beatty and Damien Carre of Expedition Old Growth.
Produced by: Nootka St Film Co.
Length: 19 mins
2. No Degree of Scarcity
This short and compelling documentary follows TJ Watt and Ken Wu through the Walbran Valley and the clearcut surrounding Big Lonely Doug (Canada’s 2nd largest Douglas-fir) in Pacheedaht territory. It showcases some of AFA’s behind-the-scenes work to protect old-growth forests and how leaving ancient forests standing has benefitted Port Renfrew’s economy.
Produced by: US filmmaker Joe Callander
Length: 8:49 mins
3. AFA Documentary
Take a look back at AFA’s history in this film, featuring spectacular shots of BC’s old-growth forests and interviews with AFA co-founders Ken Wu and TJ Watt, MLA for Mid Island-Pacific Rim Scott Fraser, veteran old-growth campaigner Valerie Langer, Robert Morales of the Hul’qumi’num Treaty Group, and more.
Produced by: Darryl Augustine, Roadside Films
Length: 16 mins
4. Tahsis: McKelvie Watershed At-Risk
In our first-ever “community spotlight video,” we explore Tahsis and the spectacular McKelvie Valley, a rare intact, unprotected watershed; hear locals’ concerns about Western Forest Products’ plans to clearcut the valley; and learn about “Salmon Parks,” an innovative conservation solution for the Nootka Sound region, championed by three Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations.
Produced by: AFA’s TJ Watt & Daniel J. Pierce of Ramshackle Films
Length: 3:27 mins
5. Climbing Big Lonely Doug
Watch this incredible footage of the first time AFA members climbed Big Lonely Doug, Canada’s 2nd largest Douglas-fir tree located near Port Renfrew in Pacheedaht territory, along with professional tree climbers from the Aboreal Collective and Ascending the Giants. Since this video was posted on YouTube in 2014, it has accumulated over 1.4 MILLION views – a true testament to the admiration that people from all around the world have for this lonely giant and the impressive skill required to climb it.
Length: 4:50 mins
Want to see more of Big Lonely Doug? Check out this video of the second climb undertaken by AFA and Aboreal Collective in 2016, captured using AFA’s drone.
For more great videos, visit our YouTube Channel.
Even in this challenging time, BC’s ancient forests remain vulnerable and still need a voice. Please help us raise awareness by sharing these videos far and wide.