Bio

Rachel Tilseth, a passionate filmmaker documentarian and enviromentalist, has established herself as a formidable voice.

Tilseth’s work, particularly focused on the intricate relationship between humans and wolves, is not only educational but also profoundly moving. Through her short films, ‘People & Wolves’ and ‘More than a Wolf: Wolf 813’, Tilseth demonstrates a rare ability to intertwine emotional depth with cultural and environmental education.

‘People & Wolves‘ stands out as an exceptional piece in Tilseth’s repertoire. This five-star documentary is a masterclass in both technical execution and storytelling. The film beautifully captures the spiritual connection between the Ojibwe people and the wolves of Wisconsin. From heartfelt interviews to the expert insights, Tilseth weaves a narrative that is both insightful and soul-stirring.

While ‘More than a Wolf: Wolf 813‘ may not boast the same technical polish as ‘People & Wolves’, it is nonetheless a poignant and powerful film. Tilseth’s documentary delves into the tragedy of a wild wolf’s death in Wisconsin, highlighting the cultural and emotional fallout within the Red Cliff Ojibwe Tribe. Despite its low budget, Tilseth’s storytelling skill ensures that the film’s message is clear and impactful. The raw emotions of those affected by the wolf’s demise are captured with honesty and respect.

Rachel Tilseth’s documentarian work is a testament to her dedication to environmental and cultural education. Through her short films, she gives a voice to the indigenous people and the majestic wolves they revere. Her craftsmanship is commendable, from the high technical standards of ‘People & Wolves’ to the heartfelt narrative of ‘More than a Wolf: Wolf 813’. Tilseth’s films are not just documentaries; they are emotional journeys that challenge viewers to empathize with the plight of both wolves and the indigenous communities that cherish them.

In an era where conservation is more critical than ever, Rachel Tilseth stands out as a passionate filmmaker with a strong, unwavering voice. Her ability to bring various perspectives together to advocate for wolves is both admirable and inspiring. Her films are essential viewing for anyone who cares about the delicate balance between humans and nature. Through her exceptional work, Tilseth continues to educate, inspire, and move audiences around the world.

In the late 1980s, I met the Native American activist John Trudell. His spoken word poetry-songs inspired my activism and gave me the strength to speak up about what I believed in. For example, the wolf represents more than just an animal. They are one of the most essential parts of an ecosystem. I speak out against trophy hunts because Gray wolves are iconic predators that rely on each other to survive, and killing one means hardship for the whole family. Individuals matter is a conservation ethic I learned from Dr. Jane Goodall, another person who inspired my activism. That is why I approached her to be one of the cast members in the film. The year it all began was in February 2021; the film started with the story of a devastating trophy wolf hunt in Wisconsin. As I began to film the story of people & wolves, I learned about the relationship between Indigenous people and the sentient being they called Ma’iingan, which means wolf in their language. They are deeply connected to the wolf and are part of thier creation story. The Ojbwa and the wolf both lost territories due to Western cultural expansion. Learning about those relationships made me more determined to make the film to get that message out there to the public.

Thirty-two years as an educator & fine artist.

I graduated in 1992 with a Bachelor in Art Education from the University of Wisconsin-Stout.