Moth on the dark background

a film by Nadina Dobrowolska

Out of sight,
by the forest

  • 16+
  • CC
  • 2024 · 1h 15m

Aleks, Angelika and Bogna are activists who for years have been documenting the suffering on Polish fur farms. Can a group of devoted people win against the bloody business? Watch to see the truth about the heroic fight in defense of animals!

Production:

Otwarte Klatki
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The idea behind the film

The film's protagonists are fighting on the front battle line for the lives of more than 3 million foxes and minks killed on fur farms every year.


The film footage captures the behind-the-scenes efforts of the investigative group, who have been exposing the scale of injustice and suffering that humans inflict on animals for more than a decade. Their goal is simple: to secure a national fur farming ban in Poland. Bogna, Aleks and Angelika face two powerful opponents: the fur lobby and the bureaucracy.


What does the work of an activist investigator look like? Where do rescued farm animals go? What else can be done to jolt society? The task is difficult, and clock is ticking. Each year means millions more lives lost.


Out of sight, by the forest is a story of tenacity and the fight for those who cannot fight for themselves.


The film is not explicit in its depiction of animal cruelty. This theme is present, but it is presented in a minimalist way.

  • Director, production management:

    Nadina Dobrowolska

  • Photos:

    Dagmara Kunecka

  • Artistic consultation:

    Marcin Stich

  • Editing:

    Maciej Nitka

  • Sound on set, sound post-production:

    Krystian Lizak

  • Color:

    Maciej Gryzełko

  • Production:

    Otwarte Klatki

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  • Full film
  • Trailer

What can you do to help?

The ending of this story depends on you - sign the declaration to join the fight for the fur ban!

  • Write comments and messages on social media: share your stance and mobilize your friends. Use the hashtag #czasnazakaz and show that you are on the side of animals.

  • Get in touch with politicians: your voice must reach those in power to make legal changes.

  • Participate in events: together, let's show politicians just how many people support the fur ban!

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Pledge of commitment to campaign for the fur ban

Join the campaign for the ban: write comments and emails, share content, protest. Make history with your actions!

The declaration is collected by Stowarzyszenie Otwarte Klatki. We respect your privacy and assure you that the information you provide will be used only for purposes related to your declaration. By signing the declaration you agree to the processing of your personal data related to the purpose of the declaration, you confirm that you are at least 16 years old, and you agree to be informed about opportunities to act for animals. You will find all information about the processing of your personal data in our privacy policy.
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moth

 Out of sight, by the forest is a moving plea for greater awareness and empathy towards animal suffering. The film pushes us to reflect on what we as a society are willing to accept in the name of fashion and profit.

5 facts about raising animals for fur

  • 1. The scale of fur farming in Poland

    Poland is the largest producer of fur in Europe and the second largest in the world - we are surpassed only by China. There are currently about 360 fur farms in our country, where 3.4 million minks, foxes and raccoons are killed each year.

  • 2. The systemic suffering of animals on fur farms

    Fur farms look the same all over the world. Animals raised for fur are mainly carnivores, which in the wild inhabit vast areas and lead solitary lifestyles. On farms, they spend their entire lives in cramped cages on wire. Such a farming system causes enormous suffering.

  • 3. Increasing control of farms is impossible

    Fur farms are inspected by employees of the District Veterinary Inspectorate once a year. The inspections are announced, so a farmer has the opportunity to prepare for them. Many factors - including staffing or financial shortages at county inspectorates - mean that inspections of fur farms are ineffective and fail to prevent animal suffering. This has been demonstrated by numerous interventions carried out by NGOs.

  • 4. The negative environmental impact of fur farms

    The farms contribute to the degradation of local ecosystems, produce offensive odors that make life difficult for local residents, and are sources of fly and rodent infestations. Due to the high density of animals on fur farms and their high susceptibility to contracting viruses, fur farms pose a threat to public health.

  • 5. Europe is moving away from fur

    As of now, 20 countries in Europe have already banned fur farming, including the United Kingdom, Italy, Ireland, the Netherlands, Lithuania, Latvia, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Norway. Germany and Switzerland have tightened the requirements for keeping animals on fur farms, with the result that farming is no longer profitable. Political debate about a ban is also underway in Bulgaria, Romania and Sweden, among others. A ban is also being considered at the EU level after more than 1.5 million people signed the European Citizens' Initiative “Fur Free Europe.”