A polar bear documentary co-produced by Yukon resident Mike Code has been awarded the Grand Jury Prize in the U.S. Documentary competition at the Sundance Film Festival. Titled “Nuisance Bear,” the film explores the challenges faced by a polar bear in the Arctic, focusing on human-bear interactions in Churchill, Manitoba, and Arviat, Nunavut. Code, who grew up in both communities and has a background in wildlife cinematography, connected with the film’s directors at the Hot Docs festival in 2019.
Filming for “Nuisance Bear” commenced in 2023 in Churchill, utilizing advanced camera technology to capture never-before-seen footage of polar bears. Code expressed his excitement at the festival’s recognition of their unique film, which impressed viewers both visually and narratively. Attending Sundance is seen as a prestigious acknowledgment of filmmakers’ high-quality work, providing networking opportunities and exposure for projects.
Code emphasized the significance of winning at Sundance, likening it to an Oscar nomination and highlighting the film’s potential impact and recognition within the industry. The success of “Nuisance Bear” at the festival has garnered praise for its innovative storytelling and captivating visuals, solidifying its place among acclaimed cinematic works.