Phantom Owl Forest

For ten-year-old Eia, the Christmas holidays take an unexpected turn when she is taken to a remote farm in the middle of nowhere, or so she thinks. But soon she discovers the beauty of nature and wildlife, saves an endangered forest and uncovers her family's well-kept secret... What a treat for the eyes: finally, a pre-Christmas children's and family film with real landscapes, real snow and real animals! Rather involuntarily, Eia stumbles into a true winter paradise with magnificent forests, deer, otters, lynxes and numerous bird species that have made their home there during the freezing cold season. At times, you feel like you've stumbled into a spectacular nature film, were it not for the mysterious story surrounding Eia and her family – and the tangible adventure involving a money-hungry man who ruthlessly wants to cut down the trees, threatening the home of animals and humans alike. Then Eia learns of a rare owl that is returning to the forest after many years. As a protected species, it could save the forest from being cut down... Much about this winter tale is fairy-tale-like. It is about people who are materially well off and have chic city flats or spacious farmhouses, a prosperity for which Eia's parents sacrifice all their time, while the rural inhabitants have maintained their rhythm of life. Friendly and supportive, they stick together and are grateful for the nature that surrounds them and with which they live in harmony. This may seem overly idyllic at times, but it is a seductively beautiful ideal that one is only too happy to indulge in. The film was made in Estonia, which is famous for its ancient Christmas traditions. It evocatively condenses the beauty of the Estonian winter into a paean not only to untouched nature, but also to the intact coexistence of people in friendship and family spirit. Carried by Eia as a likeable, self-confident heroine, it is about nature conservation and sustainability in two senses, because people must treat not only nature but also each other with care.