The Forest Through The Trees

Hollywood director Sydney Pollack narrates this absorbing and very balanced look at the current battle for the redwoods in Northern California. Produced by former NBC News bureau chief Frank Green, the program examines the issue from both sides: that of the timber industry, represented by Pacific Lumber Co.; and that of the "public," a diverse group which ranges from outspoken proponents for the forest to activist groups which sit in treetops in protest. With 95% of the virgin redwoods gone, some 16,000 acres are left unprotected. In 1985, following a hostile corporate takeover of Pacific Lumber Company, loggers were ordered to double the number of redwoods cut--a highly publicized affair which led to a general outcry on the part of the public. Interviews with members of the timber company, representatives of the Sierra Club, and a "new breed" of loggers who have formed independent operations for "sustainable forestry," provide a wide range of viewpoints and perspectives on the topic. What is often little remarked in documentaries on similar subjects--but is pointed out here--is the fact that the trees in question sit on land privately owned by the timber companies. The sight of tree-sitters therefore provokes warring responses within us: on the one hand, we are becoming a nation that is very environmentally conscious and concerned; on the other hand, the concept of property is so ingrained in our history that we do not feel totally comfortable with these well-meaning trespassers. This is the great achievement of The Forest Through the Trees: it provides several different angles on the subject and asks viewers to think, rather than trying to persuade them to judge. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. (Available from: The Video Project, 5332 College Ave., Suite 101, Oakland, CA 94618.)