Nuisance Bear

Directed by Jack Weisman, Gabriela Osio Vanden
Canada
2026
87 mins
Winner of the Grand Jury Prize for U.S. Documentary at Sundance, this urgent doc follows polar bears in Manitoba struggling to adapt to a world transformed by climate change.

Known as the 'Polar Bear Capital of the World', Churchill in Manitoba, Canada is being transformed by climate change, with dire consequences for these curious creatures. As the freeze arrives later each year, the local polar bear population is forced to remain closer to human settlements, drawing growing numbers of tourists eager to witness them up close. For Inuit communities, however, these encounters bring danger and fear. Scientists warn of declining populations, while the Inuit report increasing numbers and risk. Directors Jack Weisman and Gabriela Osio Vanden offer a thought-provoking study, featuring some of the most exceptional polar bear footage ever captured, while questioning our role as spectators of the wild.

The imagery is startling
Kate Erbland, IndieWire

Tickets

Mon 8 June 2026, 6pm
Dendy Newtown - Cinema 1
Assisted ListeningWheelchair
Wed 10 June 2026, 6:15pm
Palace Norton St - Cinema 3
Assisted ListeningWheelchair
Fri 12 June 2026, 6:15pm
Event George St - Cinema 9
Assisted ListeningWheelchair
Presented By
The Guardian
  • Program Strand
  • Year
    2026
  • Classification
    Unclassified 15+
  • Country
    USA, Canada, UK
  • Language
    In Inuktitut and English with English subtitles
  • Director
    Jack Weisman, Gabriela Osio Vanden
  • Producer
    Michael Code, Will N. Miller, Teddy Leifer
  • Cinematographer
    Gabriela Osio Vanden, Jack Weisman, Michael Code, Sam Holling, Ian Kerr, Jack Gawthrop
  • Editor
    Andres Landau
  • Composer
    Cristóbal Tapia de Veer
  • Genre
  • Premiere
    Australian Premiere
  • Company Credits
    Festival Contact: Jack Weisman & Will Miller
  • Official Website
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