Bark
Corteza
Simon Acosta · Colombia, UK · 2025 · 14 min
SHORTS COMPETITION · TERRITORY
In rural Colombia, one of the most dangerous countries for environmental leaders—passionate forest ranger Astrid fights to protect the tropical forest and its elusive wildlife, including the rare spectacled bear. Mentored by her father, a lifelong conservationist, she battles illegal hunters and encroaching ranchers, all while grappling with the temptation of an easier urban life. As doubt creeps in, a breakthrough discovery on her camera traps reignites her resolve. The footage of spectacled bears proves the forest’s resilience, reinforcing Astrid’s purpose.
Documentary · Biography · All ages
Language: Spanish
Themes: Conservation, resilience, environment
Screenplay: Simon Acosta
Producer: Simon Acosta
Cinematographer: Andres Morales
Director's Statement
At the heart of the environmental crisis in Colombia lies the deeply rooted issue of high land inequality. In a country where the struggle for control over natural resources is often synonymous with power dynamics, environmental defenders find themselves on the frontline of conflicts fueled by competing interests in agriculture, mining, and logging. Amid this perilous landscape, stands a young 23-year-old woman Astrid, dedicating herself to the protection of a pristine forest. Astrid's story serves as a testament to the spirit of those committed to environmental protection. As Colombia grapples with the deadly consequences of environmental activism, Astrid's narrative becomes a symbol of hope and a call to action for the international community to address the root causes of this crisis and ensure the safety of those who stand as guardians of the natural world. — Simon Acosta
