Grades 7-12, College, Adult
Directed by Michael Rosen and Sharon Howard
Produced by Howard Rosen Productions, Inc.
DVD Purchase $79, Rent $45
US Release Date: 2004
Copyright Date: 2004
DVD ISBN: 1-59458-049-9
VHS ISBN: 1-59458-048-0
Subjects
Animal Behavior/Communication
Animal Rights
Animals
Anthropology
Biology
Conservation
Ecology
Environmental Ethics
Habitat
History
Humanities
Life Science
Native Americans
Western US
Wildlife
Zoology
Awards and Festivals
5 EMMY Awards
Best of Category, EarthVision Enviromental Film Festival
Hazel Wolf Environmental Film Festival
An Ancient Spirit Returns
Reexamines the relationship between humans and wolves.
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"Breathtaking in scope and execution." LOS ANGELES TIMES |
With the reintroduction of Canis lupus to Yellowstone National Park many people have begun to rethink how they feel about wolves.
Thousands of years ago, we invited wolves into our caves as hunting partner and protectors. An ancient bond was formed between humans and wolves that ultimately resulted in the domesticated canine. The dog became "man's best friend", but the wolf became the most persecuted and misunderstood animal in the world.
Over centuries Europeans' hatred of wolves grew as farms and livestock grazing lands replaced forests, squeezing the wolf's natural habitat. When Europeans came to the Americas, they brought their legends, myths, and fear of wolves with them. But the attitudes of the native peoples of North America toward wolves was vastly different; they were seen as thinking, reasoning fellow beings that possess souls. Like them, the wolf is a hunter, and lives in a pack much like a tribe. Native people call the wolf "brother" and treat it with respect and honor.
Which view of the wolf is true? Are they bloodthirsty or benevolent? What is their role in the ecosystem? Why do we fear them? Why do we need them? What is a proper relationship between humans and this magnificent predator species?
Reviews
"Breathtaking in scope and execution."
"There are many films about wolves, WOLF portrays these misunderstood animals in a sensitive way, with great footage, and compelling interviews with some of the most involved people in the field"
"Colorful and haunting..."
"This film WOLF is a blend of science, history and passion. It contains some of the most phenomenal wolf footage I have ever seen...This could very well be my favorite wolf documentary of all time."
"Wolf qualifies as a concise yet thorough portrait of a species in transition."
"An amazing video... Inspirational viewing for any wolf lover, Wolf: An Ancient Spirit Returns is also very highly recommended for junior high, high school and college classrooms."
"The spectacular success of the reintroduction of the gray wolf to Yellowstone National Park is beautifully captured in this historical documentary that celebrates the wolf's majesty and mystery and gives those who revile his prowess and predation much food for thought... Overall the film's inspirational impact is impressive. The video and audio are magnificent and skillfully edited for maximum impact... Highly recommended for junior high, high school, college, university, and public library collections. Essential in biology, ecology, zoology, and environmental studies programs."