To Be Forever Wild

To Be Forever Wild is a visually stunning and narratively engaging documentary film that was released in 2013. Filmmaker David Becker takes viewers on an in-depth exploration of the iconic Catskill Mountains, home to North America's most famous landscapes and the site of the very first environmental movement in the United States.

The documentary is a loving homage to the wild, untamed spaces that have captured the imaginations of writers, painters, and adventurers for centuries. The Catskill Mountains, widely known for inspiring Washington Irving's legendary character Rip Van Winkle and being the canvas for Thomas Cole's renowned Hudson River School paintings, offer a transcendent mix of luscious greenery, breathtaking rivers, and majestic peaks that effortlessly showcase nature’s grandeur.

To Be Forever Wild captures not just the beauty and grandeur of the Catskills Mountains, but also the profound and mystical connection between humans and nature. The film recollects and explores the rich history and storied past of these enchanted highlands, from Irving and Cole's groundbreaking relationship with the land to the important role the mountains played during the 19th-century conservation movement that ultimately led to the creation of America's first publicly protected wilderness.

The narration and storytelling, enriched by insightful interviews with locals, historians, environmentalists, and artists intimately familiar with the Catskills, guides the audiences through an array of stories and reflections, helping them develop a profound understanding of the region's historical significance, cultural relevance, and its lasting impact on the conservation movement.

Simultaneously, the film delves into profoundly personal journeys of the people immersed in these wild spaces. These include stories of individuals who derive great meaning from their relationship with the mountains’ diverse landscape—from the avid hikers and mountain climbers mastering peaks, to artists drawing inspiration from the varying hues of the changing seasons, and conservationists committed to preserving its pristine condition for future generations.

In To Be Forever Wild, viewers are also treated to tales of everyday folk who have made the mountains their home, choosing to live in harmony with the wilderness whilst sharing a profound respect and love for the land. Through their stories, the film paints an intimate portrait of the charming rural communities in and around the Catskills, emphasizing the influence of the wilderness’s stark beauty and the region's rich historical legacy in shaping their unique way of life.

The underlying narrative of To Be Forever Wild is its urgent call to reconnect with nature and preserve our natural environment. The film serves as a potent reminder of how critical these wilderness areas are—for the well-being of not just those who call them home but also the health and survival of our planet. The compelling storytelling within the documentary drives its message home, urging viewers to foster a sense of stewardship over the environment and to protect it for future generations.

Visually, To Be Forever Wild is a testament to the cinematic artistry of director David Becker and his team. The documentary is a visual feast, with stunning scenic shots of the Catskills beautifully filmed across four seasons. Captivating long shots of the mountains bathed in shifting moods of weather and light create a deeply immersive and visceral experience for the viewers. The crisp, cinematic imagery coupled with evocative sound design convincingly brings alive the enchanting wilderness of the Catskills onscreen.

In conclusion, To Be Forever Wild is a powerful documentary that invites you on a journey—navigating through the lens of history, culture and personal relationships—to explore the enchanting wilderness of the Catskill Mountains. The film not only inspires awe for its stunning natural beauty but also encourages viewers to contemplate their own relationships with the natural world and the importance of preserving it for future generations. Whether you're an nature enthusiast, a history buff or just an avid film goer, To Be Forever Wild offers a rich, compelling watch that leaves a lasting impact.