“Yukon Resident’s Polar Bear Film Wins Top Award at Sundance”

A film co-produced by Yukon resident Mike Code featuring a polar bear has secured a top award at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival. Named “Nuisance Bear,” the documentary clinched the Grand Jury Prize in the U.S. Documentary category, a surprising win for Code and his team. The film follows a fictionalized journey of a lone polar bear facing various challenges in the Arctic, particularly interactions between humans and bears in the communities of Churchill, Manitoba, and Arviat, Nunavut. Code, who spent time in both of these regions during his upbringing, highlighted the unique perspectives of each community in dealing with the shared issue of bears entering town. With his background in Churchill and Arviat and a family connection to wildlife cinematography, Code collaborated with directors Jack Wiseman and Gabriela Osio Vanden, whom he met at the Hot Docs film festival in 2019, to capture groundbreaking footage for “Nuisance Bear.” Filming commenced in Churchill in 2023 using specialized camera equipment mounted on vehicles, allowing for unprecedented close-up shots of bears in their natural habitat. The filmmakers’ innovative approach resulted in a film that impressed audiences at Sundance with its visual impact and compelling narrative. Code emphasized the significance of showcasing high-quality work at a renowned event like Sundance, where filmmakers can network and promote their projects to a global audience. The success of “Nuisance Bear” at the festival underscores the dedication and creativity of the filmmaking team, positioning them for further recognition within the industry.