George Cotter Retrospective: Wilderness Trails

Void Micro Cinema is proud to present the final event in a three screening retrospective on pioneering Manitoban nature filmmaker George Cotter, curated by local documentarian Kevin Nikkel.

Trailblazing Manitoba nature filmmaker George Cotter (1915-2011) had a remarkable film career that spanned four decades. Cotter hauled his Bolex camera across the province to patiently gather remarkable footage of wildlife and nature in every season. He was a pioneer in promoting conservation and being a good steward of nature. Cotter emerged during an era where most other celebrated nature filmmakers like David Attenborough, Jacques Cousteau, or Marlin Perkins were more interested in exotic wildlife and locales faraway - Cotter was interested in what he was observing here at home. His straight-talking commentary about plants, wildlife behaviour, and outdoor education meant his 16mm film prints were a staple for classrooms, clubs, and community screenings across the province. His films range from a more objective and expositional tone, to the more personal—even sincere and folky—rooted in Cotter’s experiences that we observe with him while watching. Cotter took as his slogan the Latin Dum Spiro Spero, “While I breath, I hope” which is still a reminder of the work needed to preserve and protect our natural world.

Screening:
Wilderness Trails (Canada, 1976, 88 mins)Local nature filmmaker George Cotter is featured in this classic portrait of a filmmaker on the hunt for a great shot. Directed by Gunter Henning. The film follows Cotter as he treks across Manitoba capturing all range of local birds and other wildlife.
Featuring a post-screening discussion with Winnipeg documentary filmmaker Kevin Nikkel, curator of the George Cotter Retrospective.