divoČINY

Jan Svatos’s graduate film reveals the dispute between environmentalists and hunters regarding the reintroduction of native animals into Czech natural habitats. They were an integral part of the functioning of our forests, but were wiped out by hunting. The last bear was shot in November 1856. Now there are efforts to restore the original balance, but the opinions of the experts differ. Marek Orko Vacha, one of the founders of the Society for the Protection of the European Bison, has been successful in progressively integrating the bison back into the wild, despite legal hurdles. Hunters deem his actions as superfluous and sentimental. Other protesting voices are often based on fear of these wild animals, which many experts consider unfounded. Not only do hunters and environmentalists express their opinions in this documentary, but so do Moravian Wallachs who live in close proximity to nature. Viewers, along with the director who, at least symbolically with the aid of film techniques, reintroduced animals into the wild can explore Zofin Forest where public access is normally prohibited. (Academia Film Olomouc)