Two award-winning short films from the International Wildlife Film Festival.

Mapping the Blue
A film by Alison Barrat
In 2012 the Cook Islands announced a Mega Marine Park – the biggest on Earth. This is one of the most magnificent places on the planet and local leaders and the fishermen of the Cook Islands are determined that it should remain so. The film tells the story of how Rugby League star Kevin Iro turned conservationist and founded the world’s largest sanctuary where he used to play as a boy. By using high tech mapping, Iro and his team are able to show the best uses for areas within this pristine ocean park which is good for conservation and the needs of local people.  Run time: 29 min.

Silencing the Thunder
A film by Eddie Roqueta
When temperatures drop in Montana, wild bison migrate to lower elevations outside the boundaries of Yellowstone National Park. But once outside, they run the risk of being killed because some carry a chronic disease called brucellosis that ranchers fear could spread to cattle. Silencing the Thunder presents the obstacles ranchers face, as well as the side of those trying to protect one of America’s most iconic animal. Run time: 27min.

WILD FILMS AT THE LIBRARY is a free series of award-winning international wildlife films selected from the International Wildlife Film Festival. The International Wildlife Film Festival was established in 1977 in Missoula, Montana with a mission to promote awareness, knowledge and understanding of wildlife, habitat, people and nature through excellence in film, television and other media.