JACKSON HOLE WILDLIFE FILM FESTIVAL KICKS OFF NEXT WEEK

September 13, 2005, JACKSON, Wyo.   Starting September 19 th, wildlife filmmakers emerge from mountains, woods, and ocean submersibles while company executives leave behind offices, commuter trains, and business suits to gather at Jackson Lake Lodge for an event as diverse as its participants--the Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival

Since its inception in 1991, The Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival has grown to become a prism of natural history film screenings, film technology education, company networking, conservation discussion, and community events.   Considered the premiere event of its genre, the Festival provides a setting for sound techs and ornithologists, cinematographers and conservation activists, natural history broadcasting companies and naturalists, to gather for one remarkable week in autumn . Drawing a crowd of nearly 700 delegates from the industry, the only attendees absent for this wildlife event are the animals themselves.

The JHWFF Film Competition celebrates the finest examples of the art of natural history filmmaking.   Filmmakers and broadcasters from around the world compete in 17 award categories, in addition to the coveted Grand Teton Award (Best of Festival).   This year's competition included more than 330 films from 25 countries, entered in an unprecedented 600 categories. With film topics ranging from penguin mating rituals in Antarctica to the Native American conservation movement, the preliminary jury undertook the difficult task of selecting three finalists per category in late July. Final Judging takes place this week and winners will be announced and honored at the Awards Ceremony during the Festival on Thursday, September 22. This year's distinguished final jury--featuring Alison Argo, Thom Beers, Tim Cowling, Tom Perlmutter, and Alan Root--will select one winner for each category.

In addition to these film awards, the Festival will honor several filmmakers, conservationists, and scientists with awards.  On Monday, September 19, Dr. E.O. Wilson will receive the Conservation Action Award , sponsored by Amphibico, honoring his work as one of the world's greatest living scientists. His scientific contributions, understanding of biodiversity, and awareness of the threats facing the earth's ecosystems place him in the forefront of environmental activism.   A limited number of tickets are available for this evening presentation.

Marina Silva, Minister of the Environment of Brazil, will receive a special Conservation Achievement Award. She and delegates representing six Amazon Basin countries will participate in the day-long Amazon Basin Forum, presented free to the community. With panels and special screenings focusing on this unique region, the day will also feature an Environmental Book Fair and signing featuring top science and conservation writers, as well as photographers & explorers on Saturday, from 1-3 pm at Jackson Lake Lodge.

The Festival will conclude on Saturday, September 24 by honoring Dr. Jane Goodall with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Nature/WNET New York.   From her early field research in Gombe, to the creation of community-centered conservation programs around the globe, Dr. Goodall has fundamentally shifted how we view ourselves in relation to the natural world.   Saturday afternoon beginning at 4:00, the Jackson Hole community is invited to join Festival delegates at Jackson Lake Lodge to fly doves with Jane Goodall and Roots and Shoots groups around the world, to celebrate the International Day of Peace.

Screenings of Finalist Films will be held at Teton Theatre on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Showings include Earthling, Roar, March of the Penguins, Deep Blue, and Grizzly Man.   For ticket pricing and showing times, call 733-4939.

Wednesday evening, National Geographic photographer, Nick Nichols and Wildlife Conservation Society scientist/explorer Mike Fay, return to Jackson to launch their latest book. The free slideshow/lecture Saving the Last Place on Earth will begin at 7:30 at the National Museum of Wildlife Art. Doors will open at 6:30.

On Friday evening, internationally renowned mountaineers Rick Ridgeway, Conrad Anker and valley resident Jimmy Chin, recount their extraordinary quest in the steppes of northern Tibet and northeastern China to locate the key calving grounds of the rare Tibetan antelope, the chiru. This exciting Festival event is presented in association with Patagonia, The North Face, and the National Museum of Wildlife Art. Doors open at 6:30, and seating is limited at this free community presentation.

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