Bozeman Film Society enters the new year with the Montana premiere of documentary Mollie’s Pack, nearly 30 years to the day of the wolves’ return to Yellowstone. The event will be held at Downtown Bozeman’s Ellen Theatre on Wednesday, January 8th. The film screens at 7pm and will include a special panel with wolf biologists Doug Smith and Mike Phillips, editor Avela Grenier, plus Emmy Award-winning filmmaker, Grizzly Creek Films founder, director/producer Thomas Winston.
On January 12, 1995, wolves returned to Yellowstone, 50 years after their extirpation. Mollie Beattie, director of the US Fish & Wildlife Service, carried the first Canadian-born wolf into the Park’s experimental acclimation enclosure, Alpha Female Wolf No. 5. From that day forward, their lives would be forever connected. This is the true story of Mollie’s Pack.
Mollie’s Pack is a gripping feature documentary told with primary 16mm film footage that was thought to be forever lost, alongside in-depth interviews with the key players at the center of the historic Yellowstone Wolf reintroduction. The narrative follows the interconnected stories of Mollie Beattie and Wolf No.5 – the alpha female of the Mollie’s Pack. It’s a modern American epic that has never been told – and Grizzly Creek Films has exclusive access to the people and the footage to bring it to life on screen. Not Rated, the film runs 90 minutes.
Following on Friday, January 10th, catch an Ellen screening of Cannes Palme d’Or winner, Anora. The film begins at 7pm.
From Director Sean Baker, the film is an audacious, thrilling, and comedic variation on a modern day Cinderella story. Mikey Madison (Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood) captivates as Ani, a young sex worker from Brooklyn whose life takes an unexpected turn when she meets and impulsively marries Vanya, the impetuous son of a Russian billionaire. However, when Vanya’s parents catch wind of the union, they send their henchmen to annul the marriage, setting off a wild chase through the streets of New York. Rated R, the film runs 136 minutes.
“Yes, it’s as good as everyone is saying it is.” – Deborah Ross, Spectator
“Yet again, Sean Baker nails it. Anora somehow straddles a fine line as the year’s funniest and most heart-wrenching movie.” – Maxwell Rabb, Chicago Reader
Mollie’s Pack and Anora screen on Jan. 8th and 10th, respectively, at the Ellen. Wine, beer and concessions will be available prior to the screenings. Find ticketing access and learn more about the current season at www.bozemanfilmsociety.org – and Keep ‘Em Flickering! •
