International Wildlife Film Festival
Shorts Block 4 – Echoes of Nature
Shorts Block 4 - Echoes of Nature
These conservation stories explore the history of endangered species and highlight the efforts of individuals dedicated to improving wildlife conditions in their communities.
Red Wolf in Time Out
Dir. Dave Russo (US)
An 11-year-old voice actor and her step-dad animator present this exploration of the American Red Wolf’s struggles. The classroom chalkboard aesthetic turns a gruesome tale into an all-ages lesson about the catastrophic chain reaction of poor policy and fearmongering.
Operation Wolf Foster
Dir. Justin Grubb (US)
Once nearly extinct, the critically endangered Mexican wolf is making a comeback, thanks to a bold conservation effort that places captive-born pups into wild dens. Operation Wolf Foster takes you inside this high-stakes recovery program, following the delicate journey of newborn wolves as they’re flown across the country and carefully introduced into the wild, offering new hope for the species’ future.
Unwired
Dir. Patrick Rodgers (US)
Sponsored by Summit Beverage
Outdated sheep fences have excluded pronghorn from prime habitat in the Red Desert of Wyoming for over 75 years. After record snowfall in 2022 – 23 caused thousands of animals to perish along the fences, a group of wildlife professionals discovered an area of more than 100,000 acres that was excluding pronghorn. Conservation groups and ranchers must work together to restore access to the pronghorn’s historic habitats and give this species a better chance at surviving an uncertain future.
A Clawsome Tale
Dir. Lucie Machin (UK)
This whimsical, entertaining short documentary dives into the wondrous world of The National Lobster Hatchery in Cornwall (UK), examining it through the eyes of a lobster and her offspring.
H5N1: Conservation in Crisis
Dir. Valentin Blüml (Austria, Germany, India, UK)
H5N1: Conservation in Crisis reveals the devastating impact of avian flu—not only on wildlife but on those fighting to protect it. David Steel, manager of the Isle of May, bears witness to the ongoing catastrophe, balancing conservation efforts with the emotional toll of loss.
The Birdman of Skomer
Dir. Ego Dzafic (France, Germany)
Sponsored by Missoula Aging Services
For over 50 years, Tim Birkhead has dedicated his life to studying a resilient bird colony on the brink of survival. The birds have fought their way back but new threats now loom on the horizon. As Tim grapples with their uncertain future, he also faces a deeper question: what will become of his life’s work?
Q&A with Clawsome Tale director/producer Lucie Machin to follow the screening!
These conservation stories explore the history of endangered species and highlight the efforts of individuals dedicated to improving wildlife conditions in their communities.
Red Wolf in Time Out
Dir. Dave Russo (US)
An 11-year-old voice actor and her step-dad animator present this exploration of the American Red Wolf’s struggles. The classroom chalkboard aesthetic turns a gruesome tale into an all-ages lesson about the catastrophic chain reaction of poor policy and fearmongering.
Operation Wolf Foster
Dir. Justin Grubb (US)
Once nearly extinct, the critically endangered Mexican wolf is making a comeback, thanks to a bold conservation effort that places captive-born pups into wild dens. Operation Wolf Foster takes you inside this high-stakes recovery program, following the delicate journey of newborn wolves as they’re flown across the country and carefully introduced into the wild, offering new hope for the species’ future.
Unwired
Dir. Patrick Rodgers (US)
Sponsored by Summit Beverage
Outdated sheep fences have excluded pronghorn from prime habitat in the Red Desert of Wyoming for over 75 years. After record snowfall in 2022 – 23 caused thousands of animals to perish along the fences, a group of wildlife professionals discovered an area of more than 100,000 acres that was excluding pronghorn. Conservation groups and ranchers must work together to restore access to the pronghorn’s historic habitats and give this species a better chance at surviving an uncertain future.
A Clawsome Tale
Dir. Lucie Machin (UK)
This whimsical, entertaining short documentary dives into the wondrous world of The National Lobster Hatchery in Cornwall (UK), examining it through the eyes of a lobster and her offspring.
H5N1: Conservation in Crisis
Dir. Valentin Blüml (Austria, Germany, India, UK)
H5N1: Conservation in Crisis reveals the devastating impact of avian flu—not only on wildlife but on those fighting to protect it. David Steel, manager of the Isle of May, bears witness to the ongoing catastrophe, balancing conservation efforts with the emotional toll of loss.
The Birdman of Skomer
Dir. Ego Dzafic (France, Germany)
Sponsored by Missoula Aging Services
For over 50 years, Tim Birkhead has dedicated his life to studying a resilient bird colony on the brink of survival. The birds have fought their way back but new threats now loom on the horizon. As Tim grapples with their uncertain future, he also faces a deeper question: what will become of his life’s work?
Q&A with Clawsome Tale director/producer Lucie Machin to follow the screening!
Duration: 117 min