Summer in the Forest is a full-length feature film about our founder Jean Vanier and the L’Arche communities in Trosly, France and Bethlehem. It tells how two L’Arche communities, though quite different from those in the UK, share our common values.

You can purchase a digital copy of the film through iTunes.  Unfortunately, UK copies of the DVD are unavailable.

If you would like to arrange a private showing of Summer in the Forest, then please be in touch. Contact [email protected] or call us on 0161 438 2832.

Summer in the Forest is a thought-provoking film, which invites viewers to reflect upon their own experience, and understanding, of people with learning disabilities. You may wish to watch the film as part of a group. To encourage reflection and discussion, we have prepared some questions to consider.

  • In your opinion, what were the three most important 'teachable' moments in the film? What might they teach us?
  • What do you understand to be the film’s core message about people with learning disabilities, community, and the human condition? Do you agree with what the film appears to be saying?
  • At what point did you notice people with disabilities speaking for themselves? What did you hear?
  • At what point did you hear other people speaking for them? What did you hear?
  • Women are not well represented in the film. Why do you think that is, and how did that make you feel?
  • What inspired you?
  • What upset you, if anything, and why?
  • How does the film help you to understand the mind and heart of the founder of L’Arche, Jean Vanier?
  • What did you learn from the film that you did not already know?
  • How has watching the film changed you?