Bear71: The first rule of survival is don't do what comes naturally
I recently encountered a fascinating experience on the NFB website. It was an interactive documentary exploring the growing interactions between the human and animal population in Banff National Park. The experience left me questioning science, consuming information on Bears and wanting to hear more from the wise voice of Bear71.
"Its hard to say where the wired world ends and the wild one begins" -Bear71
The interactive documentary co-created by Leanne Allison and Jeremy Mendes follows the story of a Bear tagged by Parks Canada staff as she reflects on her life in an increasingly wired and human-invaded wilderness. Although the experience follows Bear71's story the user has a chance to explore the wired world that is Bear71's home through video feeds, an interactive map, photographs and video clips forced upon the user throughout a 20 minute multimedia experience.
Although at first I questioned the anthropomorphism of Bear71 in the film I realized that the narration voiced by Mia Kirshner was not human at all and was instead an all-knowing interpretation of how a Grizzly might view the situation. Bear71's sarcasm and logical approach to understanding events relative to wildlife seems natural rather than unfounded. I was left feeling sorry for this creature that on a certain level I understood.
"Cubs change everything" -Bear71
Bear71 has so much to offer. Its interactive interface is only the beginning. The script is filled with powerful anecdotes, ironic video clips, and the experience as a whole is rich with media giving the experience multiple dimensions.
Bear 71 from National Film Board of Canada on Vimeo.
I think the film brings a number of issues to light.
First I think it shows how Banff as Canada's first National Park has evolved over time. It has been at the forefront of attempting to 'remedy' the relationship between humans and animals. I think it shows some of the realities of life for the true residents of the park and the negative influence humans have had despite their best intentions.
"I did what comes naturally. I roared. And then I charged" -Bear71
It also seems to be an experiment in the definition of a documentary. It tests what it means to explore a subject through film. Here the audience become active users rather than passive consumers of the experience.
Bear71 also shows what it means to be wild or perhaps what it means to restrict wildlife to a romanticized concept of what it means to be wild. Bear71 tells us of her stories and does a very good job of arguing this point through her various stories about the natural habits of Grizzlies and the often astonishingly ignorant things humans are doing with wild space.
"They can start a revolution with a smartphone but they can't remember to put a lid on a bear proof can" -Bear71
If you have 20 minutes to spare I definitely suggest checking out this 'film', you can follow this link to the National Film Board of Canada's website and check it out. Bear71 can be found on tumblr here and on Twitter here. It premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah.
