At the headwaters of the Columbia River in BC's Purcell Mountains, Jumbo Creek cascades out of deep snowpack, past crumbling glacial ice, wildflowers, and grizzly tracks. The Jumbo Valley has long been revered for its beauty; and to the Ktunaxa Nation, it is known as Qat'muk, home of the grizzly bear spirit.
Part of an important international wildlife corridor, the Jumbo Valley is one of only two areas in North America where grizzly bears can freely roam between Canada and the U.S. But, for nearly 25 years, local people -- First Nations, conservationists, backcountry skiers -- have fought a large-scale ski resort in Jumbo. Developers face environmental assessments, political roadblocks, and local outcry.
JUMBO WILD highlights the tension between the protection of wilderness and ever-increasing development interests in wild places, while bringing to life the passionate fight to protect the Jumbo Valley.
'Jumbo Wild brings to life how different human conceptions of wilderness interface with economic development...The film challenges the viewer to think about how diverse actors see and interact with a lesser developed mountain landscape and the implications of these interactions. It will bring awareness and foster a greater level of understanding about the challenges and value of keeping places 'wild.'' Dr. Jeremy Spoon, Assistant Professor of Anthropology, Portland State University, Research Associate, The Mountain Institute
'In the spirit of Hetch Hetchy, Jackson Hole, and Glen Canyon, Jumbo Wild clearly documents a poignant chapter in the long arc of North American environmental history. The balanced portrayal of strongly held and divergent viewpoints will grip your intellect and your emotions-a pinnacle of environmental reporting.' Stephen Cunha, Professor of Geography, Humboldt State University
'Film may be the most effective medium for turning recreationists into conservationists...[Waggoner] shows outdoor film audiences exactly why they should care about protecting the mountain.' Krista Langlois, High Country News
'Jumbo Wild transports you out of the classroom or living room to the cathedral heights and purity of the Canadian Rockies. Destined to win awards, this film educates the audience powerfully and fairly about a threat to wilderness. It provides perspectives from the natives, the newcomers, and nature's ways, eliciting the viewer's involvement in protecting mountain beauty for future generations.' Randy Hayes, Founder of Rainforest Action Network, Director of Foundation Earth
'A wonderful film for opening a discussion on how our personal values intersect with how we treat our planet. Are human creativity, passion, and ingenuity our highest held ideals? Or is there a different ideal; one that allows for all of nature's creatures to be equal with humans? Do silence and beauty matter? Or is a strong economy our highest goal? This well-made film full of majestic scenery approaches these questions in a balanced way.' Joan Maloof, Executive Director, Old-Growth Forest Network, Professor Emeritus of Biological Sciences, Salisbury University
'Beautiful...In this well-paced film, Waggoner does an admirable job of allowing his subjects to tell their stories and explain their positions.' Monte Burke, Forbes
'Offers a deep examination of the broad interests at stake...A thoughtful and provocative film.' Zoe Loftus-Farren, Earth Island Journal
'Leaves the viewer to contemplate one big question; what is the value that we place on keeping places 'wild'...The movie establishes the core arguments behind the sacredness of keeping big wilderness intact and also points out that once these kinds of places have been developed, true wilderness is gone forever...A must see.' Tim Grey, Biglines
'If you think you already know what this movie is and where it's headed, you don't. And you should watch it...An incredible documentary...Jumbo Wild is a film that respects you the viewer as well as the different voices in the debate, and successfully lays out the issues so that you can judge for yourself. This isn't a propaganda vehicle or an indoctrination piece, it's better than that.' Cy Whitling, Blister
Citation
Main credits
Waggoner, Nick (film director)
Waggoner, Nick (editor of moving image work)
Waggoner, Nick (director of photography)
Yale, Laura (film producer)
Manley, Jordan (editor of moving image work)
Techrob, Nicolas (editor of moving image work)
Techrob, Nicolas (director of photography)
Mannings, Jason (director of photography)
Turenne, Darcy (director of photography)
Other credits
Producer, Laura Yale; editors, Jordan Manley, Nick Waggoner, Nicolas Techrob; cinematographers, Nick Waggoner, Jason Mannings, Darcy Turenne, Nicolas Techrob.
