Summer In The Forest

Directed by Randall Wright

Have we forgotten who we really are?

Like countless others Philippe, Michel, Andre and Patrick were labeled ‘idiots’, locked away and forgotten in violent asylums, until the 1960s, when the young philosopher Jean Vanier took a stand and secured their release – the first time in history that anyone had beaten the old system. Together they created L’Arche, a commune at the edge of a beautiful forest near Paris. A quiet revolution was born.

Now in his 80s, still at L’Arche and revered by some as a living saint, Jean has discovered something that most of us have forgotten – what it is to be human, to be foolish, and to be happy.

Summer In The Forest invite us to abandon the rat race and forge new friendships. Amid the lush green trees, Philippe, Patrick, Jean and the others welcome us into their lives. Michel reveals his war-torn past, Andre is desperate for a date, and young David will prove himself a hero in the fight against the forces of evil.

If there are rules to break, they will be broken and if there is a truth to be told, they will tell it.

Summer In The Forest asks us simply and frankly – and occasionally very tenderly – to accept those less abled than us as fellow human beings. I have never seen a film of this calibre do something like that before. It is extremely important.” – Rachel Campbell-Johnston, The Times

“This is a film full of laughter and joy. It will also make you cry. It will make you see strength in weakness and question everything you know about power. It’s extremely rare for a film to have the power to change lives. This one really might.” – Christina Patterson, Journalist

Summer In The Forest reaches out to one’s sense of what it is to be human and what it is to lead a worthwhile life. It talked to me of how it feels to connect with each other, make peace – and what life is all about.” – Katie Hollier, Trustee, Mencap