A documentary co-produced by Yukon resident Mike Code focusing on a polar bear has clinched a top award at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival. Named “Nuisance Bear,” the film secured the Grand Jury Prize in the U.S. Documentary competition, as revealed by the festival on Friday morning.
Expressing his surprise and delight, Code shared his reaction to the win, emphasizing their unexpectedness and excitement upon receiving the accolade. The documentary follows the fictional journey of a lone polar bear facing challenges in the Arctic, particularly the interactions between humans and bears. Code elaborated on the film’s exploration of the significance of the bear to Churchill, Manitoba, and Arviat, Nunavut, without intending to draw direct comparisons between the two communities.
Having roots in both Churchill and Arviat, Code’s upbringing exposed him to numerous polar bear encounters, given his father’s roles as a teacher in Arviat and a wildlife cinematographer in Churchill. The collaboration on “Nuisance Bear” with directors Jack Wiseman and Gabriela Osio Vanden began at the Hot Docs film festival in 2019, leading to filming activities commencing in Churchill in 2023.
Code detailed the advanced filming techniques employed, including car-mounted cameras with high-powered lenses, providing stable and close-up shots of the bears in their natural habitat. The filmmakers realized the uniqueness of their footage, capturing never-before-seen scenes that left audiences at the festival awestruck by the visuals and storytelling.
Reflecting on the significance of showcasing their work at Sundance, Code highlighted the festival’s recognition of exceptional filmmaking and the valuable networking opportunities it affords. He noted that winning such competitions elevates the film’s profile, likening it to potential Oscar nominations in terms of industry acknowledgment.
