B.C.-based wildlife cinematographers Sue and Jeff Turner will be sharing their work on the grizzly bear cubs of Kamchatka and the man who cares about them.
The Turners, who have produced over 20 wildlife features, will be the guest speakers at the 46th annual general meeting of the Okanagan Similkameen Parks Society at Summerland’s Centre Stage on March 25 at 7 p.m..
The Turners, who live in Princeton but have travelled the world making films for over 25 years, will present the film The Bear Man of Kamchatka, and speak about their experiences making the film and the people and wildlife that they met while doing so.
“The grizzly bear is considered by many to be the most dangerous animal in the world. But there is one man, Canadian Charlie Russell, who thinks differently,” said the Turners.
“He believes that grizzlies are misunderstood animals and that our fear of them is not only unnecessary but driving to extinction. His beliefs have taken him to Russia, where he has been raising orphaned grizzly bear cubs for the past 10 years in the wilderness of the Southern Kamchatka peninsula. Becoming their surrogate mother he struggles to keep his clubs alive and teach them everything they need to survive a life in the wild.”
The story revolves around the grizzly bear cub, Biscuit, his friends, and photographer Russell, as they go about their daily lives on the peninsula.
Along with the Turners, Kelley Cooke, the Heritage Trails restoration co-ordinator, will also be presenting an informative report on her work.
The public are encouraged to attend. The presentation is free of charge but donations will be accepted to assist with the work of the society.