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CIFF is delighted to shine a spotlight on two of Alberta’s important unsung movie talents: master horse wrangler JOHN SCOTT and internationally renowned wolf trainer ANDREW SIMPSON. These two men will share their unforgettable tales with veteran Canadian actor ART HINDLE, who will present a performer's perspective on working with animal actors.

ANDREW SIMPSON’s unique talents are in high demand - as are his constant companions, the wolf pack. From the Australian Outback to the Greek Islands to his current multi-year project in China with acclaimed filmmaker Jean-Jacques Annaud (QUEST FOR FIRE, THE NAME OF THE ROSE, THE BEAR), SIMPSON is constantly travelling the world in pursuit of his dreams. Although he deals with all species, his specialty is wolves. This reputation got him asked to travel to Siberia to make the biggest wolf film ever attempted – a process documented in this year’s CIFF world premiere of WOLVES UNLEASHED.

LEGENDS OF THE FALL, starring Brad Pitt and Anthony Hopkins, is but one of four Academy-Award winning films that Longview, Alberta rancher and head wrangler JOHN SCOTT has helped bring to fruition. With experience as a stunt coordinator and performer, head wrangler, animal wrangler, location scout and transportation coordinator, SCOTT has enjoyed 36 years of steady work in the film industry and has been involved with over 130 productions. The other three Oscar winners were DAYS OF HEAVEN, UNFORGIVEN and Peter Jackson’s epic LORD OF THE RINGS.

Acclaimed actor (and horseman) ART HINDLE (THE BROOD, PORKY'S, NORTH OF 60, PARADISE FALLS, LONESOME DOVE) appears in two films playing at this year's festival: MONSTER BRAWL and MOON POINT.