The Ancient Forest
A wildlife documentary film- and media-project
Synopsis
Primeval forests that have existed for millennia provide water and air to all life. They are a world full of interconnections that have developed over thousands of years. Cedars, spruces, and firs, living their remarkable lives, create communities of millions of living creatures around them, many of which can be found nowhere else on the planet.
Among the most important areas that remain unaltered since prehistoric times are old-growth forests.
Among the most important areas that remain unaltered since prehistoric times are old-growth forests.
Such untouched islands of forest, rather moderate in their size, are located in a few nature reserves and national parks in Russia, where a common visitor may not be able to enter. Our film provides a rare opportunity to observe the forests that have not suffered from hundreds of years of human disturbance.
Northern Eurasian forests play the utterly important role in the life of our planet: through oxygen production and carbon fixation, soil formation and water retention they affect climate and preserve biological diversity.
Northern Eurasian forests play the utterly important role in the life of our planet: through oxygen production and carbon fixation, soil formation and water retention they affect climate and preserve biological diversity.
As landscapes and seasons change, we encounter numerous inhabitants of the forests — mammals, birds, insects, other invertebrates, plants and fungi.
Each old tree, as a major 'engineer of the ecosystem', creates a biotope. Whether alive or fallen, it provides food, shelter, and homes for countless species, including fungi, plants, insects, birds, and other animals. Our cameras will reveal the hidden connections that trees establish within the ecosystem, making them visible to viewers.
Each old tree, as a major 'engineer of the ecosystem', creates a biotope. Whether alive or fallen, it provides food, shelter, and homes for countless species, including fungi, plants, insects, birds, and other animals. Our cameras will reveal the hidden connections that trees establish within the ecosystem, making them visible to viewers.
«The Ancient Forest» Trailer
Genre
Nature documentary, Popular science, Family
Nature documentary, Popular science, Family
Filming territory
Russia
Russia
Runtime
70 min feature
70 min feature
Release
2025
2025
With the informational
support of
support of
Locations
Primary forests and their inhabitants will be filmed on the territories of national parks, reserves, and locations:
—Republic of Komi: Pechoro-Ilych State Biosphere Reserve (The Virgin Komi forests; UNESCO World Heritage List of natural territories)
—Murmansk Oblast: Lapland State Natural Biosphere Reserve
—Sverdlovsk Oblast: State Natural Reserve 'Denezhkin Kamen'
—Tver Oblast: Central Forest State Natural Reserve
—Republic of Komi: Pechoro-Ilych State Biosphere Reserve (The Virgin Komi forests; UNESCO World Heritage List of natural territories)
—Murmansk Oblast: Lapland State Natural Biosphere Reserve
—Sverdlovsk Oblast: State Natural Reserve 'Denezhkin Kamen'
—Tver Oblast: Central Forest State Natural Reserve
Narrative
This film will show what makes the primeval forests so unique, and how they differ from the secondary woods we see all around us. Viewers will be taken on a journey through the untouched wild forests of Northern Russia, meeting the creatures that live there, and learning about the subtle, inner workings that allow these natural woodlands to sustain themselves—and why they matter.
The story is structured to gradually draw the audience in, as if they’re diving into the forest’s "ocean," moving from the broad strokes to the minute details, ultimately grasping the oneness and interconnectedness of everything that happens there. They’ll witness life in the treetops, below the canopy, in the soil, and appreciate the truly infinite nature of these forests.
We’ll travel by water, showcasing the patchwork landscape, and explaining the woods’ vital role in water systems and the biotic pump. We'll meet the forest’s real engineers: the fir, spruce, and cedar pine. By climbing into the canopies and looking into the nests of birds of prey, we’ll discover why they absolutely need the proximity of unbroken forest, wind-felled clearings, marshes, rivers, and trees of different species and ages—the very elements missing from disturbed woods.
Dropping below the canopy, we'll see just how crucial every patch of ground is: peonies blooming, mice scampering, sables hunting, future giants and saplings pushing up from the earth, and dead trees providing a home for hundreds of living things. The death of one organism is just a chapter in nature’s everlasting story.
Finally, we’ll cover what’s threatening Russia’s and the world’s primeval forests, and what we can do to save them.
The story is structured to gradually draw the audience in, as if they’re diving into the forest’s "ocean," moving from the broad strokes to the minute details, ultimately grasping the oneness and interconnectedness of everything that happens there. They’ll witness life in the treetops, below the canopy, in the soil, and appreciate the truly infinite nature of these forests.
We’ll travel by water, showcasing the patchwork landscape, and explaining the woods’ vital role in water systems and the biotic pump. We'll meet the forest’s real engineers: the fir, spruce, and cedar pine. By climbing into the canopies and looking into the nests of birds of prey, we’ll discover why they absolutely need the proximity of unbroken forest, wind-felled clearings, marshes, rivers, and trees of different species and ages—the very elements missing from disturbed woods.
Dropping below the canopy, we'll see just how crucial every patch of ground is: peonies blooming, mice scampering, sables hunting, future giants and saplings pushing up from the earth, and dead trees providing a home for hundreds of living things. The death of one organism is just a chapter in nature’s everlasting story.
Finally, we’ll cover what’s threatening Russia’s and the world’s primeval forests, and what we can do to save them.
What is a primeval forest?
A primeval forest is one that has carried on, continuously, for centuries and millennia. They’re also known as virgin, ancient, old-growth, or primary forests. We’ll stick with the less formal and more lyrical term: primeval forests.
In these woodlands, human activity hasn’t upset the ecological balance for hundreds of years. They keep going because new trees are constantly growing and old ones are naturally dying. Every tree—alive or dead, a towering giant or a tiny sapling—creates its own micro-environment, offering refuge, food, and conditions for thousands of intertwined species.
Over time, complex, self-contained communities of organisms form within the forest—on the ground and on the trees themselves. The intricate structure and sheer variety of life here stabilise the forest, making its existence virtually endless.
Forests cover a third of the Earth’s land. Russia boasts more forest than any other country, covering nearly half its territory. But only a quarter of that is classed as Intact Forest Landscape (a block of at least 50,000 hectares), and the number that count as primeval is even smaller. Primeval forests could vanish globally in just 80 years.
In these woodlands, human activity hasn’t upset the ecological balance for hundreds of years. They keep going because new trees are constantly growing and old ones are naturally dying. Every tree—alive or dead, a towering giant or a tiny sapling—creates its own micro-environment, offering refuge, food, and conditions for thousands of intertwined species.
Over time, complex, self-contained communities of organisms form within the forest—on the ground and on the trees themselves. The intricate structure and sheer variety of life here stabilise the forest, making its existence virtually endless.
Forests cover a third of the Earth’s land. Russia boasts more forest than any other country, covering nearly half its territory. But only a quarter of that is classed as Intact Forest Landscape (a block of at least 50,000 hectares), and the number that count as primeval is even smaller. Primeval forests could vanish globally in just 80 years.
Why primeval forests are so important
Having existed for thousands of years, primeval forests play a critical role in easing global warming and keeping our environment suitable for human life. Research confirms that Russia’s primeval forests are vital for the whole planet: they stop centuries of accumulated carbon from getting into the atmosphere, they safeguard biodiversity, and they help bring rain deeper into the continent. These forests have weathered countless climate shocks already, making them a model of resilience to the changes we’re seeing today.
Northern forests are enormously important for the planet, as they produce oxygen and store carbon, protect soil and retain water, and they stabilise the climate and preserve the biodiversity of our entire continent.
If we lose primeval forests, the consequences will be utterly disastrous: devastating floods and droughts, soil being washed away, polluted rivers, the loss of hundreds (or perhaps thousands) of species, and enormous amounts of carbon dioxide being released into the air.
Northern forests are enormously important for the planet, as they produce oxygen and store carbon, protect soil and retain water, and they stabilise the climate and preserve the biodiversity of our entire continent.
If we lose primeval forests, the consequences will be utterly disastrous: devastating floods and droughts, soil being washed away, polluted rivers, the loss of hundreds (or perhaps thousands) of species, and enormous amounts of carbon dioxide being released into the air.
Human impact
The history of the Earth is a history of humanity's constant relationship with the forest. The forest is a refuge, a source of food, raw materials, construction material, a means of transportation, and fuel. Over its existence, humanity has significantly transformed forests: some have been permanently replaced by fields and meadows, others regenerate but are periodically burned and logged. The main impacts on forests are:
- logging;
- fires caused by humans;
- use of chemicals: pesticides, herbicides, fertilisers, etc.;
- industrial pollution;
- reclamation of forest lands;
- intensive tourism, and more.
Project uniqueness
- Places where no human has trodOur team will travel to the most remote spots in the wilderness—places literally untouched by human foot—to film natural processes that very few people ever get to witness.
- Narrative approachUsing the recognisable poetic style of our studio’s previous film, Bears of Kamchatka: Beginning of Life, we’ll pull the viewer deep into the forest. We’ll encourage thoughtful observation of the woods’ mysterious life, allowing for full immersion into its atmosphere and rhythm.
- Not just seeing, but hearingWe are placing huge emphasis on sound recording and editing, using advanced sound technologies. By listening to the sounds of the primeval forest, the audience will feel as though they are actually part of it.
- A scientific approachLeading scientists and experts in forestry and conservation are working on the film to ensure we present the audience with nothing but verified information.
Project Aims
- Create a film that draws on the energy and rhythm of nature to convey its laws and rules, which often defy simple human logic.
- Instill a sense of involvement and responsibility for the future of the forests in viewers.
- Shift public opinion about primeval forests.
- Draw attention to forest science and inspire young researchers.
- Highlight the climate role of these ancient woodlands.
- Encourage environmental NGOs to get involved in preserving old-growth forests.
- Help people recognise and appreciate the gravity of the problems associated with their disappearance, and motivate them to take real action to protect them.
- Demonstrate the need to establish new Protected Areas (PAs).
- Show the audience how they can change their attitude towards nature from a purely consumerist one to a more responsible one.
Primary/natural/stable/old-growth forests — naturally regenerated forests of native tree species, where the ecological processes are not significantly disturbed by humans for hundreds of years. These forests are made up of mosaic tiles, each at a different degree of maturity (or 'phase'), including recently regenerated trees, young trees, trees in full-scale development and senescent trees.
These forests are of irreplaceable value for their biodiversity, carbon storage and other ecosystem services, as well as cultural and heritage values. Large extents of such forests now occur only in tropical and boreal regions.
These forests are of irreplaceable value for their biodiversity, carbon storage and other ecosystem services, as well as cultural and heritage values. Large extents of such forests now occur only in tropical and boreal regions.
— clearcutting or intensive selective logging;
— large scale human-caused fires;
— intensive and regular application of chemicals such as pesticides, herbicide, fertilisers, etc.;
— severe industrial pollution;
— intensive recreation, etc.
— large scale human-caused fires;
— intensive and regular application of chemicals such as pesticides, herbicide, fertilisers, etc.;
— severe industrial pollution;
— intensive recreation, etc.
Climate regulation
― Primary forests regulate the global climate by the biotic pump mechanism: forests create constant upwards moving air currents due to water vapour rising from the plants into the atmosphere. This phenomenon creates a low-pressure environment in the lower parts of the forests, attracting more moisture from distant oceans and contributing to the global air- and water flow across continents.
― Primary forests have high moisture storage capacity and can regulate the water cycle on a local level.
― Boreal forests and swamps act as a carbon sink withdrawing and retaining vast quantities CO2 from the atmosphere.
Stability
― Old-growth forests are more resilient in the face of climate change than secondary forests.
― Primary forests are more fire and insect-resistant, meaning they are more stable.
― Disturbed forests are busy with restoring themselves under a given external environment. Undisturbed forests regulate the external environment while the biomass remains stable.
― Forests carry out the vital functions of regulating and protecting the water sources, as well as protecting land from erosion.
― Primary forests have created complete ecosystems of biodiversity species including fungi and bacteria that help stabilise the climate.
― Forests affect the planet's radiation and thermal levels, preventing the soil from overheating and overcooling.
Biodiversity
― Primary forests contain 80% of the terrestrial biomass and provide habitat for over half of the known terrestrial plant and animal species.
― Trees, both living and dead, large and small, generate their own microhabitats and act as shelters, growing platforms and food resources for thousands of species.
― Primary forest ecosystems are crucial to many plants, fungi and animals that will only settle in the old- growth forests — never in the younger ones.
― A consistent forest life over time leads to the development of a community that is complex and complete both on the ground and in the trees.
― Primary forests regulate the global climate by the biotic pump mechanism: forests create constant upwards moving air currents due to water vapour rising from the plants into the atmosphere. This phenomenon creates a low-pressure environment in the lower parts of the forests, attracting more moisture from distant oceans and contributing to the global air- and water flow across continents.
― Primary forests have high moisture storage capacity and can regulate the water cycle on a local level.
― Boreal forests and swamps act as a carbon sink withdrawing and retaining vast quantities CO2 from the atmosphere.
Stability
― Old-growth forests are more resilient in the face of climate change than secondary forests.
― Primary forests are more fire and insect-resistant, meaning they are more stable.
― Disturbed forests are busy with restoring themselves under a given external environment. Undisturbed forests regulate the external environment while the biomass remains stable.
― Forests carry out the vital functions of regulating and protecting the water sources, as well as protecting land from erosion.
― Primary forests have created complete ecosystems of biodiversity species including fungi and bacteria that help stabilise the climate.
― Forests affect the planet's radiation and thermal levels, preventing the soil from overheating and overcooling.
Biodiversity
― Primary forests contain 80% of the terrestrial biomass and provide habitat for over half of the known terrestrial plant and animal species.
― Trees, both living and dead, large and small, generate their own microhabitats and act as shelters, growing platforms and food resources for thousands of species.
― Primary forest ecosystems are crucial to many plants, fungi and animals that will only settle in the old- growth forests — never in the younger ones.
― A consistent forest life over time leads to the development of a community that is complex and complete both on the ground and in the trees.
About LESFILM
LESFILM unites wildlife filmmakers, animators, environmental conservationists and scientists who are among the leading experts in Russian wildlife. Our goal is to create wildlife films with unique visuals and sounds that would urge viewers to preserve
the fragile environment.
the fragile environment.
Our cinematography is rooted in the energy and rhythms
of nature, we rely upon its fine-tuned system, immerse into it — following its rules that sometimes are elusive to the standard human perception. Our team uses the most current filming techniques to capture the life of flora and fauna. LESFILM also specializes in the recording of fauna and nature soundscapes.
of nature, we rely upon its fine-tuned system, immerse into it — following its rules that sometimes are elusive to the standard human perception. Our team uses the most current filming techniques to capture the life of flora and fauna. LESFILM also specializes in the recording of fauna and nature soundscapes.
The team
IRINA SHAEPMAN (ZhuravlevA)
Основатель, продюсер, режиссёр
VLADISLAV GRISHIN
Director, Editor, Colourist
GEORGE SCHNIPPER
Co-Producer
ALEXEY ALEYNIKOV
Screenwriter, Scientific Consultant
DMITRY Schigel
Scientific Consultant, Scientific Editor
ANTON KORABLEV
Scientific Consultant
VLADIMIR ARKHIPOV
Sound Operator, Scientific Consultant
GEORGIY KHIMORODA
Composer
OLEG KUGAEV
Director of Photography
ILYA DOLGOV
Time-lapse photography
MIKHAIL RODIONOV
Photography
PAVEL GREKOV
Photography
DMITRY IVANOV
Macro-photography
DMITRY SUVOROV
FPV Aerial Filming
Previous project
Kamchatka Bears. Life Begins
Kamchatka Bears. Life Begins
The beautiful meditative film by LESFILM brings the audience up close to the first and the most eventful year of brown bear cubs' lives and their adventures. Kamchatka Bears. Life Begins is a film that differs from other nature documentaries. The movie has already received 24 awards at 45 festivals in 20 countries total.
Recent work
The beautiful meditative film by LESFILM brings the audience up close to the first and the most eventful year of brown bear cubs' lives and their adventures. Kamchatka Bears. Life Begins is a film that differs from other nature documentaries. The movie has already received 24 awards at 45 festivals in 20 countries total.
Join zoologist Sergey Kolchin and the audience as we explore the pristine cedar-broadleaf forests of the Russian Far East, experiencing the Ussuri taiga's dangers and discoveries of orphaned bear cubs.
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