Gazing at Mount Da-Jian

A young digital media graduate student returns to her hometown to document the nature of Kenting. Behind the camera, she rediscovers the land she once took for granted and unexpectedly witnesses her father’s transformation from a hunter into a guardian of the environment. This is a story of intergenerational understanding and healing — a gentle tribute to the land and to familial love.

Fearless Queen of the Night

The film FEARLESS QUEEN OF THE NIGHT, which takes place over a period of just over a year, provides the viewer with an exceptional insight into the lives of several Ural owl specimens. It intertwines and relates to human factors that, in one way or another, influence or coincide with the animal stories.
Film is a dynamic natural science research story about the Ural owl (Strix uralensis). It is an interweaving display of its life, interactions with other animal species, humans, and the scientific study of the species. In film we will get to know the mysterious life of one of the largest European owls, which is extremely aggressive during the nesting season. It will also showcase activities in which humans are actively involved – rehabilitation of injured specimens in shelter for wild animals, breeding and resettlement of the Ural owl in Austria, the effects of deforestation, an unusual encounter with the Ural owl in an urban environment, interesting hunting story…. Documentary will gradually uncover the very unusual daytime and nighttime behavior of the species and at the same time get acquainted with the latest scientific findings of Slovene biologist dr. Al Vrezec, one of the world’s foremost experts on Ural owls.

The American Southwest

THE AMERICAN SOUTHWEST is a wild and unforgettable journey down the mighty Colorado River. Narrated by Quannah Chasinghorse, the film beautifully showcases the region’s abundant wildlife, confronts the ecological impacts of dams and river depletion, and boldly advocates for increased water and wildlife conservation. The Fin and Fur Films production travels through legendary landscapes from the viewpoint of some of the Southwest’s most charming characters… such as wetland-building beavers, bugling bull elk, and desert-adapted rattlesnakes. Made in association with Natives Outdoors, THE AMERICAN SOUTHWEST highlights the region’s deep cultural history and the crucial need to better manage the river for both wildlife and society to thrive.

No Safe Exposure

“No Safe Exposure: Rehabilitating America’s Eagles” features compelling, never-before-seen footage of the inspiring work of wildlife rehabilitators as they treat injured eagles and help them return to the skies. Rehabilitators featured in the film help viewers understand the unintentional threats that lead sporting equipment, such as ammunition and fishing tackle, can pose to bald and golden eagles. Footage showcasing eagles in the wild, those undergoing treatment for illness and injury, and eagles being released following care inspires viewers and creates a sense of responsibility, compassion, and awe for these magnificent creatures.

Eagles deal with significant challenges, including habitat loss, poisoning (especially from lead), diseases like highly pathogenic avian influenza, mortality from wind turbine strikes, and illegal shootings. Not all of these threats are easily addressed, but preventing lead poisoning is a goal that is within reach. There Is Reason for Hope. Licensed wildlife rehabilitators are on the front lines of treating eagles and other wildlife. It is inspiring to see that, with expert treatment, some injured or ill eagles can regain their ability to soar. Additionally, rehabilitators are involved in efforts to prevent eagles from contracting illnesses, particularly lead poisoning. They are also partnering with state wildlife agencies to promote a greater understanding of lead poisoning in wildlife and what we can all do to help keep eagles healthy for current and future generations. The film concludes with footage of rehabilitated eagles being released into the wild.

Penguins of the Point

Penguins of the Point is a short wildlife documentary that explores the daily lives of penguins at Volunteer Point in the Falkland Islands, showcasing the resilience of these remarkable birds as they face both predators and modern threats such as climate change, commercial fishing, and avian influenza. Watch gentoo and king penguins navigate the shoreline where predators await, witness the spectacle of king penguins undergoing their annual molt, follow magellanic penguins as they return to breed along the shore, and observe tender scenes of chicks huddling together in crèches for warmth and protection before being fed by parents returning from the sea. Along the way, the film sheds light on the growing threat of avian influenza and the wider impacts of climate change and overfishing on penguin populations and their fragile ecosystem.

Gypaetus: The Last Bone Breaker

In the breathtaking Pyrenees mountains, between Spain and France we journey through the eyes of the lammergeier, a majestic bird facing the challenges of survival. This film captures the struggles of the lammergeier as it navigates a world dominated by scavenging bird competitors like the cinereous vulture, griffon vulture, Egyptian vulture and even other scavenger mammals. Through intimate storytelling and breathtaking cinematography, we explore the intricate hierarchy among these species during feeding times, highlighting the
lammergeier’s resilience and adaptability. Witness the delicate balance of nature as the lammergeier strives to thrive in its rugged habitat.

Wild Spirit

Witness the incredible story of the WRCNU (Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Northern Utah) and their fight to continue saving Utah’s wildlife after suddenly losing their building for the ironic expansion of Ogden’s dinosaur park. We follow the founder, DaLyn Marthaler, as she navigates the 6 month deadline Ogden City gave them to leave their building and find a new one, all without any financial support from the government. They take in 4,000 animals a year, so that is 4,000 dead animals if they don’t make it work by the time their building is demolished.

Looking Up

In ‘Looking Up,’ the camera turns its lens on three individuals whose lives intersect through a shared love for birdwatching. As the story unfolds, each character opens up about their personal battles with mental health, navigating the turbulent waters of burnout, depression, anxiety, and trauma. This short film doesn’t sugarcoat life’s challenges, but it gently reminds us that sometimes, the simple act of reconnecting with nature—watching birds, in this case—can be a powerful remedy. ‘Looking Up’ is a down-to-earth exploration of personal struggles, resilience, and the unexpected healing that can come from a pair of binoculars and a bit of fresh air.

Kāinga Tupu (FESTIVAL ONLY)

Kāinga Tupu (“Homeland”) is a 2D hand-drawn film that brings attention to New Zealand’s endangered forest parrot, the Kākāpō. This story follows the bird as he explores his home. But, something doesn’t seem right. Noises and lights in the distance seem to be coming faster and faster. The forest monsters approach…

A Home in the Grass

Since 1970, North America has lost 3 billion birds. As grassland bird populations continue to decline, one conservationist’s act of devotion represents hope in a world where natural habitats are disappearing everyday.