Film featuring wildlife management in Scottish Highlands premieres in Whitefish

A new conservation-human rights film that highlights the plight of a rural community in its fight to continue to serve as stewards of wildlife and local natural resources makes its debut at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish on June 23.  

After almost two years in the making, this is the second film in The Killing the Shepherd film series. The film “The Last Keeper” has been recognized by more than 15 international film festivals for its merits and received overwhelming support from thousands of viewers through a spring film tour in the U.K., including a viewing by the Scottish parliament. The Shepherds of Wildlife Society will premiere the film from 7-9 p.m.  

The film focuses on the Scottish Highlands highlighting contemporary issues in wildlife management. Filmmakers spent 130 days in the field over 16 months visiting with people on various sides of the land management issues. The focus was to highlight the plight of a rural community made up of gamekeepers, ghillies, and stalkers, who see their culture as stewards of local natural resources being threatened. Their goal is to ensure vibrant and healthy ecosystems throughout the Scottish Highlands, which will allow for the rural culture to survive and find acceptance among the broader urban public. 

Film director Tom Opre will be in person to answer questions after the screening. The premiere will offer a unique chance to go behind the scenes and learn more about the making of the film and the issues driving wildlife management in Scotland. Many of the issues featured in the film also echo in Montana and the USA.  
“This is what we've been working towards — a chance to highlight the issues rural indigenous communities are facing in Scotland," said Opre regarding the premiere. “We are excited to connect with people at the screening and join in on the conversations that the film inspires.” 

Tickets are $15.  

To learn more visit https://www.shepherdsofwildlife.org/the-last-keeper.