Eloge de la cabane

“Huts belong, above all, to the realm of childhood and its power of invention. Children play in their huts, quite aware that they are in a world of illusion. Recalling his own childhood experience, the filmmaker tells us how this magical appeal has continued into adulthood, and he compares it with concrete experiences of others. With Jean, an architect, he sets off to meet those who have chosen to live in forests. Even though the forests of old are now state-run or have become private domains with their own rules and regulations, some folk still seek escape in these remote spots. Today, there is a forest-hut civilisation that lives in a noiseless world far away from everything. Yet, although the life-styles of Brigitte, Polo, Paul, Félix and Francis and Estelle are similar, their motives are different. This documentary explores the notions of playing, of autonomy, ways of thinking, revolt and utopia, which the very idea of a forest hut brings to light.” (R. Hunzinger)