Experiencing Interruptions?

A Buffalo Story

A Buffalo Story tells of the return of bison to the North American landscapes they once defined and outlines some of the important ecological and cultural impacts of that restoration. The primary story arc follows the efforts of Tribal Buffalo Manager, Jason Baldes to restore bison to the Wind River Reservation. His efforts to help people believe in buffalo again require him to confront his own trauma. His personal growth and healing throughout the process are the lens through which we examine the challenges facing the restoration of bison as a wild animal as well as the potential for healing that reconnection with buffalo and culture can provide. In so doing, the film examines the forces and mindsets that undermined that ancient relationship in the first place as well as some ways that the benefits of that relationship can be reimagined in a modern context. Jason’s personal story raises a lot of questions about the value of culture and tradition and how to move forward in positive change. His work and story also provide valuable insights for all Americans to think about the future they want and the ways in which Indigenous values and wisdom might contain important lessons for everyone and provide blueprints for healthier and more sustainable lifestyles for human beings.

  • Colin Ruggiero
    Director
  • Colin Ruggiero
    Writer
  • Colin Ruggiero
    Producer
  • Jason Baldes
    Key Cast
  • Patti Harris
    Key Cast
  • Colin Ruggiero
    Executive Producers
  • The National Wildlife Federation
    Executive Producers
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Genres:
    Natural History, Human Interest, Indigenous Issues
  • Runtime:
    2 hours
  • Completion Date:
    February 10, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    250,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Big Sky Documentary Film Festival
Director Biography - Colin Ruggiero

Colin is an independent filmmaker and photographer based in Missoula, Montana whose passion is conveying the beauty and importance of the natural world. He received his M.F.A. in Documentary Filmmaking from the Discovery Network’s Science and Natural History Filmmaking Program in 2005 and since then has produced a variety of award-winning films and shorts for both broadcast and independent release, including work for National Geographic, Discovery, the BBC, ESPN, PBS, The Nature Conservancy and the The National Wildlife Federation among many others. His love of the ocean led to his award-winning 2014 art film, “Exuma,” about the Bahamas, as well as underwater cinematography work for clients such as the Bahamas National Trust, The Canadian Film Board, The Mexican Board of Tourism and National Geographic Wild. In addition to his other film and photo work, he also teaches occasional filmmaking classes at the Rocky Mountain School of Photography and was the former Leader of The International Wildlife Film Festival’s LABS filmmaking workshops. To find out more about Colin and his work, please visit: www.ColinRuggiero.com

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