Sometimes, the next best thing to actually visiting Yellowstone National Park is watching a great video of the place. So it’s always fun to come across a filmmaker offering a unique and compelling point of view about the park.
Students from the Montana State University-Bozeman Master of Fine Arts Program in Science and Natural History Filmmaking recently posted a pair of short films that offer just that kind of singular perspective on Yellowstone.
“Vivid Caldera,” below, is a kind of audio-visual haiku, focusing on the tiny moments and overlooked movements in Yellowstone during the winter. It uses spoken narration, contemplative music and almost meditative camera work to remind viewers of what it’s like to slow down and let nature reveal herself.
“Abundance,” below, takes an unflinching look at the role predators play in Yellowstone. (Be forewarned, some of the footage graphically depicts carnivores doing what they are meant to do.) Notes for the film state that it was shot between the North Gate and Mammoth Hot Springs, and features footage of wolves from the Canyon pack.