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Shaped by the Wild – December 15, 2023

December 15, 2023

Shaped by Wild

“Shaped by the Wild” offers a profound exploration of the British Coastal Mountains, a stunning and remote wilderness spanning over 1,000 miles from the Yukon to Vancouver. This film delivers an intimate portrayal of the diverse landscapes and vibrant cultures found in this vast region. The Coast Mountains, covering an area as large as 8.16 Switzerlands, are known for their breathtaking range of glaciers, rainforests, coastline, and plateaus. This film captures the essence of the mountains and the people who call them home, including both natives and expats drawn to their beauty. The film is a collaborative effort with the Xeni Gwet’in traditional territory and the homelands of the Tŝilhqot’in people.

The filmmakers, Cam Sylvester and Bryan Smith, spent a year planning and filming, choosing subjects that could represent the range’s diversity. These subjects include mountain adventurers like Joe Lax and Delaney Zayac in Pemberton, skier Ryan Oakden, and Kalissa Lolos in the isolated community of Bralorne, as well as Meesh Coles and John Kelsey, who explore the coastal fjords living on their sailboat. Additionally, the film features mountain climbers Julia Niles and Lisa Van Sciver, who explore the Waddington range. This segment emphasizes the theme of changing priorities and the deep connection with the mountains. The film also focuses on Chief Jimmy Lulua of the Xeni Gwet’in nation in the Nemiah Valley, highlighting the indigenous culture and the efforts to preserve traditional practices, such as traversing the Homathko glacier.

“Shaped by the Wild” is more than just a documentary; it’s a cinematic homage to the Coast Mountains, their awe-inspiring beauty, and the diverse cultures that thrive within this majestic landscape.