Kickstarter campaign seeks donors to finish film featuring Minnesota's Plight of the Wolf

MINNEAPOLIS - Feb. 11, 2014 - PRLog -- After winning the first place Animal Content in Entertainment grant from the Humane Society of the United States, filmmaker Julia Huffman and her documentary Medicine of the Wolf turn to Kickstarter to raise an additional $50,000 to complete the film.  The documentary features environmentalist and award-winning National Geographic photographer, Jim Brandenburg. Brandenburg was presented with an honorary doctorate degree from the University of Minnesota, and the United Nations also gave him their World Achievement Award, both honors were mainly because of his work with wolves.

“Many of us know the official Minnesota claim that the wolf hunt decision was based on science is not true. I know of many nationally important wolf scientists and biologists that consider this decision to be based on local politics that simply is fueled by ancient, tired myths like Little Red Riding Hood and old wolf anger issues such as ‘the wolves got my deer’.”  -  Jim Brandenburg

In Medicine of the Wolf, Brandenburg takes viewers on a journey to discover the spiritual, scientific and ecological value of wolves, which are currently being hunted after the recent lift of the Minnesota Endangered Species Act that once protected the grey wolf.  Brandenburg has photographed wolves in his home state of Minnesota longer than anyone in history, and this is the first and only time he has spoken out about the current Minnesota wolf hunt.  One of Jim Brandenburg’s proudest accomplishments is teaming up with singer-songwriter James Taylor to raise funds that allowed Defenders of Wildlife to spear head the livestock depredation funds which were used to begin the reintroduction of wolves into Yellowstone National Park.

Filmmaker Julia Huffman spent considerable amount of time in Minnesota’s “wolf country” filming where she interviewed key people including Dr. Maureen Hackett, Howling for Wolves, DNR spokesman Dan Stark, Howard Goldman, MN Director HSUS, Barry Babcock, Environmentalist, Larry Stillday (Chi Ma'iingan-Big Wolf) who spoke of the deep spiritual value the wolf holds to the Anishinaabe people. The film also features Wolf Scientist John A. Vucetich a prominent wolf expert and who heads The Wolf Moose project of the Isle Royale-the longest running wolf-prey study in the world.

“Our plan is to distribute the film as part of a campaign at various universities, wildlife centers and film festivals that have strong environmental and animal protection focus.  We want to use the film as an education tool in smaller communities around the country and in wolf territory. It is our hope that you will assist us in coming to brother wolf’s side.  Our ultimate goal is to distribute the film worldwide in all media, including television and theatrical release.” Julia Huffman, filmmaker

The $50,000  will pay to finish Medicine of the Wolf through production, post-production, distribution and marketing.  The goal is to complete the documentary by the end of 2014, and release it soon after.

How to donate to Kickstarter: www.kickstarter.com/projects/645287247/medicine-of-the-wolf

Film trailer:   http://vimeo.com/85035668



What people are saying about the film:

“A film like this could really not have come along at a more vital time for wolf conservation. Anti-wolf sentiments nearly led to the extermination of America’s wolves, and just when populations are starting to bounce back, wolves are being hunted and trapped at an alarming rate in several states as we speak, placing this iconic species in jeopardy once again.” - Colin McCormack, Manager of The Humane Society of the United State’s ACE program

“Beautiful trailer for an important film. Please stay tuned for more news about this movie and your  opportunity to help get it funded!”  - Oliver Starr, Wolf Advocate

“We, the friends of the wolf, are elated that someone has made the effort and shown the courage to make this film and reach out to America to save what makes this nation great!" - Barry Babcock, Minnesota Environmentalist, Woodsman

About Julia Huffman  - Julia Huffman is an independent filmmaker and acting coach living in Los Angeles, CA. She is a writer, producer, director, and editor and recently won the 1st place Animal Content in Entertainment Award from the Humane Society for Medicine of the Wolf.  Some of her past producing credits include: HGTV, Steven Bocho Productions, and others.  She also shot, edited and produced a short film - The Rainbow Murders in 2008.  Julia has a strong passion for animal advocacy, social justice and the environment. She received a BA in Journalism from Bethany College. Julia currently teaches on-camera acting classes at her studio in Burbank CA

About Jim Brandenburg – Regarded internationally as one of the greatest, nature photographers of our generation, Jim Brandenburg has spent over 44 years photographing wolves at his Minnesota wilderness home. For over three years, he directed and filmed the BBC/National Geographic landmark wolf documentary White Wolf, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.  He has published many bestseller books including Brother Wolf, White Wolf and Chased by the Light, to name a few.  A National Geographic photographer for over 30 years, Brandenburg's work has appeared in nearly every important publication in the world; he has been interviewed on every major TV network on all continents.  Brandenburg has been awarded numerous worldwide honors including twice receiving the prestigious NPPA Photographer of the Year; and he has been named a Nikon Legend Behind the Lens.