“People & Wolves” A Wisconsin Story Film Project Begins Production

ByRachel Tilseth

Jun 11, 2022

This summer!

https://vimeo.com/719299400

The production team is truly humbled to be working with Dr. Jane Goodall! Adrian Wydeven, Marvin DeFoe, Peter David, Tanya Eldred, and Sandy Gokee.

A Wolves of Douglas County Wisconsin Film Production, LLC

Co-producers Manish Bhatt and Rachel Tilseth, and Director Rachel Tilseth

The film tells the story of Wisconsin’s gray wolves, the controversies surrounding them, and how people are learning to coexist as these native predators are again fulfilling their ecological role after returning to the state about 45 years ago.

In just one year Wisconsin’s gray wolf was removed from the Endangered Species Act (ESA) to hunted only to be put back on the ESA.

Teaser: February 2021 Wolf Hunt

https://vimeo.com/716398880

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) began work on a new state Wolf Management Plan last completed in 1999. The DNR formed a committee of stakeholders, including the tribes. Ojibwe bands in Red Cliff and Bad River have their own, Ma’iingan (Wolf) Relationship Plans. The state must work with the tribes on wolf management, including wolf hunting seasons.

Teaser: Wisconsin’s gray wolf is Culturally Vital!

https://vimeo.com/718742839

Since Gray wolves recolonized parts of Wisconsin, the viewer will learn; how it affects people living in the wolf’s territory as a part of the broader story that must be told.

Teaser: “People & Wolves” The broader Story…

https://vimeo.com/718763260

The film project’s fiscal sponsor is Film North. Tax-deductible donations for the film project will be accepted soon! FilmNorth’s mission is to empower artists to tell their stories, launch and sustain successful careers, and advance The North as a leader in the national network of independent filmmakers. We achieve our mission by nurturing a vibrant, diverse community of film and media artists; providing education and resources at every stage of their careers; and celebrating their achievements. https://filmnorth.org/

Voyageurs Wolf Project has graciously agreed to allow the film project access to their videos of wolves. http://www.voyageurswolfproject.org

More to come!

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By Rachel Tilseth

Rachel Tilseth is a Menomonie, Wisconsin-based environmental writer, filmmaker, and owner of Wolves of Douglas County WI Films & Media. Her work explores the intricate relationships between humans, wildlife, and local ecosystems. Through award-winning documentaries like People & Wolves, she seamlessly intertwines emotional depth with vital cultural and environmental education. Tilseth highlights environmental and economic causes that threaten vulnerable ecosystems. Through freelance writing, she advocates for sustainable coexistence between human communities and apex predators. As a documentarian, Tilseth has established a formidable voice in conservation media. Her acclaimed short film, People & Wolves: A Story of Coexistence, won Best Documentary Short at the Red Cedar Film Festival. The project features insights from renowned conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall, alongside perspectives from Ojibwa tribal members, hunters, and biologists. Operating independently of traditional non-profits, Tilseth champions grassroots citizen organizations. She works to educate the public on ecological economics and environmental sustainability to foster coexistence with nature.