Rachel Tilseth, a passionate filmmaker and documentarian, has established herself as a formidable voice. Her 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.
People & Wolves: A Story of Coexistence
This is a story of coexistence. For centuries, the Ojibwe have lived alongside their brother Ma’iingan, who we know in English as the wolf. In February 2021, a brutal assault, a hunt on their wolf relative, stirs emotion and grief for Ma’iingan as they know what happens to him will happen to them.
A Wolves of Douglas County Wisconsin Film by Rachel Tilseth and edited by Justin Koehler.
Cast: Edith Leoso, Peter David, Marvin DeFoe, Michael Waasegiizhig Price, Patrick Durkin, Sandy Gokee, John Johnson Sr., and Jane Goodall, DBE, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace.
Director/Producer; Rachel Tilseth, Manish Bhatt; co-producer, Writer; Rachel Tilseth, and Tyler Grape; Cameraman.
Poster Design; Ned Gannon
Featured song ” Don’t Know Why, But They Do” Words & Music by Joe De Benedetti & Noah Hill.
Facebook: Rachel Tilseth, Environmental Filmmaker https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566476140767
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filmmakerracheltilseth/
Website: https://wolvesofdouglascountywisconsin.com/
Awards
Movie Play International Film Festival-Nominee
Royal Wolf Film Awards-Award Winner
Australia Independent Film Festival-Quarter-Finalist
Mindfield Film Festival • Albuquerque-Finalist
Critics’ Choice International Film Festival-Award Winner
Montreal Independent Film Festival-Award Winner
2024 ARFF Amsterdam // International Awards-Quarter-Finalist
Red Cedar Film Festival-Award Winner
36 Girona Film Festival Official Selection
More than a Wolf. A Short Film: Wolf 813
Wolves of Douglas County Wisconsin Films presents A Short film: Wolf 813. At approximately 02:00 AM on December 25, 2023, a retired DNR Conservation Warden and pro-wolf hunt advocate shot a wolf at his door. Ron Nordin, Jr., a Wildlife Technician for Red Cliff Tribe, got the news from the DNR after the holiday break that Wolf 813, a collard wolf he had been monitoring for over ten years, was killed. Ron and his wife Misty tell the story of the wolf they knew as Wolf 813, Matriarch of the Echo Valley Pack, and how her life and death impacted them as members of the Red Cliff Ojibwe Tribe. Wolf 813: More than just a wolf, a Short Film, Cast: Ron and Misty Nordin, Jr., Genevieve Adamski. Director and Producer Rachel Tilseth, Editor Justin Koehler, Camera Rachel Tilseth. Webcam footage of Wolf 813 provided by Red Cliff (Ojibwe) Treaty Natural Resources Department.
