Arbor Alma ('The Giving Tree') explores the possibility that identity can be formed out of a dialogue between people and how they understand their environment, in particular the role of trees. With paintings from Canada's greatest visual artists, including Tom Thomson and the Group of 7, the film juxtaposes these iconic art works with contemporary video, photos, and historical footage of tree destruction, still images of urban greenery, and soundscapes reminiscent of the auditory experience of the forest.