The Forest Maker is the portrait of a remarkable man whose life’s work was honored with the alternative Nobel, the Right Livelihood Award in 2018. Tony Rinaudo has found a way to grow trees in the most barren areas by activating the tree stumps and roots still alive as an “underground forest” for decades and thereby securing the livelihood of thousands of farmers in Africa. His method “Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration” (FMNR) restores not only soil but dignity and hope. Having worked in the Sahel region for 30 years he witnessed despair and famine but also resilience, determination, and change. In this film, Schlöndorff follows Rinaudo to different African countries to witness the effect FMNR has had on fighting desertification and encounters issues that also concern us in Europe – migration, climate change, and gender justice. To complement his view, he invited African filmmakers to collaborate with him and share their experiences of rural life and local challenges. This documentary shows ordinary people doing extraordinary things and carries a strong message of community, self-empowerment, and, above all, hope.