Educational Media Reviews Online

Shining Mountains is an enjoyable and informative series from the National Film Board of Canada that would be an appropriate addition to public libraries. Viewers will learn about the natural history and cultural heritage of the Rocky Mountains in four separate segments: Ancient Ones, Land of Riches, On the Edge, and Once and Future Wild.

In Ancient Ones viewers are treated to stunning aerial photography of a trip from Yellowstone National Park to the Canadian Yukon that lays the groundwork for the series, introducing viewers to the flora, fauna, ice and rock that make up the Rocky Mountains. Topics covered during the trip north include the extermination and re-introduction of wolves to Yellowstone and global warming. The second installment, Land of Riches discusses the impact of early European visitors and the changes between the time when the Rockies were simply a barrier to be crossed to the era when rail travel made the Rocky Mountains a vacation destination to many. As the title suggests, On the Edge” discusses the impacts that land developers and recreational uses such as helicopter skiing have on the Rockies. The inspiring last installment of the series, Once and Future Wild leaves viewers with a positive image of the work being undertaken by the “Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative”.

Viewers will get the most out of the series by watching all four segments. Interviews with scientists, tribal elders and laypeople are interspersed with stunning photography in this well edited series. It is easy to see why this four-segment series was a finalist in the “Best Film on Mountain Environment” category at the Banff Film Festival and it is recommended for public libraries.