Watch Jumbo Wild

Jumbo Wild is a documentary film released in 2015 that tells the story of the conflict between wildlife and resource extraction in one of the most iconic and ecologically significant regions in the world - the Jumbo Valley in British Columbia's Purcell Mountains. The movie is directed by Nick Waggoner and produced by Sweetgrass Productions, a production company that specializes in adventure sports films. The film presents a detailed account of the struggle between the local community and the government over a proposed ski resort development in the Jumbo Valley. The valley is home to the last remaining population of grizzly bears in the region and forms a crucial part of their habitat.

The movie begins by showing the spectacular beauty of the Jumbo Valley with its lush green forests, pristine lakes, and towering snow-capped peaks. Bill Bennett, the then-Minister of Energy and Mines for British Columbia, is shown talking about the proposed development of a ski resort in the valley that would include lifts, hotels, and other infrastructure.

The film then shifts to the community members who are fighting against the project. They argue that the proposed development would destroy the valley's unique environment and harm the grizzly bear population. The film presents interviews with local residents, environmentalists, and conservationists who have been working to prevent the development for over two decades.

The movie explores how the conflict portrays the increasing tension in British Columbia between expanding resource extraction and the need to preserve ecologically important areas. The film takes a balanced approach to present the perspectives of the government, the pro-development lobby, and the conservationists.

One of the strengths of the movie is its ability to connect the audience with the community members fighting to save the valley. The film profiles Grant Costello, a local resident and avid skier, who has been fighting against the development for several years. Grant's passion and dedication to protecting the valley are evident throughout the film as he shows the audience the places, the wildlife, and the people that would be adversely affected by the development.

The documentary also features breathtaking cinematography and dramatic skiing scenes that showcase the valley's unique terrain. The film offers a glimpse of the valley's recreational potential while highlighting the importance of protecting the area's natural beauty.

One of the most striking moments in the documentary is a segment featuring a First Nations elder, who talks about the significance of the valley in the traditional legends of the Ktunaxa people. She explains how the proposed development would destroy the spiritual and cultural value of the area.

Overall, Jumbo Wild is a powerful and inspiring documentary that takes viewers on a journey through the beauty and value of the natural world. It highlights the conflict between environmentalism and resource extraction, presenting a passionate and emotional story of people who are fighting to protect the natural world.

While the issue of development in the Jumbo Valley is still ongoing, the documentary has become an important document of the struggle of the local community to preserve the valley's ecological significance. It serves as an essential reminder of the need to preserve our natural world for future generations.

Jumbo Wild is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 52 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.