Austin Film Festival Short Feature Review: ‘Bright Forests’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Jeffrey Larson and Paris Newton in Chadwick Harman’s BRIGHT FORESTS. (Photo Courtesy of American Pantheon Productions.)

For the most part, science fiction stories that like to examine corners of the human condition, tend to focus upon one aspect of it, and nothing more, and it makes sense as to why. After all, by locking in on one thing that makes us, us, the story can dig deep into it and look at it from every angle be it good or bad. Which gives rise to an enriching story for certain, that does ponder upon so much, through a unique lens no less. And another reason this can happen, is because sometimes… there is a worry that digging too deep and going into too many topics could make the story confusing, and it could potentially detract from the core theme the writer wants to explore.
​
Hence why so many hold to one topic per story. But the fact of the matter is, they don’t have to. Because science fiction readers, and viewers, want to absorb as many concepts as they can, and they truly love complex stories that inject surprises and more into the story. Because then it reflects life, with a hint of science fiction surrounding whatever is going on with the characters, and truly, the best science fiction stories out there… employ this and are poured over for generations when they get it right. If anything, the wonder of a complex Sci-Fi story is top of mind today, simply because one in that vein, recently made its debut at the Austin Film Festival, and needs to be celebrated.

Simply because, Bright Forests is a stunning examination of what makes humanity so beautiful and so worth cherishing and it accomplishes that feat by taking us on a unique journey. Wherein we meet an astronomer who encounters something so many have dreamed of, alien life. Via a message from across the stars, and well… that prompts him to make it his life work to send a reply and get one back, but alas… he knows it will take decades upon decades to get a reply, and our wickedly short life spans simply won’t allow for him to see that reply come through. Prompting his daughter to take up the mantle to try to finish his work. Which runs into its own complex challenges, but despite the fact that we leave this plane too soon, and the trials and tribulations she faces… she holds onto the hope that the message will indeed come back to her one day, completing her father’s life work

---

Which at first glance, appears to be nothing more than a hauntingly charming story about the realities of our first encounter with another species. Which has merit since we don’t know how we will have that first encounter, and time dilatation is a genuine thing. But it is what happens between those moments of waiting that matter. Because that allows for this film to really examine the human condition and ponder upon aspects of it, that we don’t celebrate as often as we should. Such as how, it’s a wonderful thing that we follow in our parents’ footsteps and honor them through continuing their work. Because that’s special and powerful, and we simply see it as a norm, but it is a choice. One that takes sacrifice and dedication to ensure that everyone knows the wonder of who came before us. 
​
Not to mention, this is a story that celebrates the fact that we are dreamers, filled with hope and always looking toward tomorrow, even at our worst. And we should celebrate that more, because that… speaks to what will truly make us a better species, a harmonized one that that. Because to dream together would solve so many problems. But above all, this is a movie that just celebrates, the gift of life we’ve been given, and how precious it truly is. Because regardless of what might be out there, there are only so many humans in the galaxy, and we should cherish one another and love one another and yes, you’ll find all of that in the brief fifteen-minute run time… of this completely and utterly brilliant SciFi short feature. 

One that truly speaks to the human condition on a refreshing and wondrous level that we need more of in cinema and television right now, and it also doesn’t hurt… that the acting is aces, the visuals are breathtaking and above all, the script is smooth and engaging. Which is a testament to writer/director Chadwick Harman’s work here and this one… deserves a round of applause. For it is beautiful, haunting and moving. Courtesy of the fact that it reminds us of our fragility, of our beauty and how important it is to remember those things, and the moments that will never come again as we move into a future unknown. One that we will shape as we see fit, once we realize that we are not alone in the universe… because we have one another.

To watch ‘Bright Forests’ please visit the Austin Film Festival Website. Also, stay tuned for more coverage of this short feature, courtesy of our interview with writer/director Chadwick Harman.  

---