From first-time director Mattia Cialoni,
My Neighbour Is A Bear explores the special coexistence between an Italian village and the rarest bear on Earth.
A family of rare Marsican bears wanders down from the Italian Apennines to the charming village of Villalago, in search of food in the local orchards. For most people, this would be a cause for concern - but for the residents of Villalago, it is a rather different story . . .
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With never-before-seen footage of Marsican bear family life, the film tells the story of the determination of one woman to understand these bears, and gives an important lesson on the fragility of our connection with nature.
"A heartfelt ode to the joys of coexisting with wild nature"
Paul Lister
European Nature Trust
Mattia Cialoni
Producer / Director
Paul Collins
Assistant Producer
Luca Verducci
Camera
Matt Jarvis
Editor
PRESS
My Neighbour Is A Bear - A New Film From Mattia Cialoni
European Nature Trust
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An article about the film.
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English language.
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Il Mondo Insieme
TV2000
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An interview with director Mattia Cialoni on Italy's "Il Mondo Insieme", in anticipation of the film's release.
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November 2021. Italian language.
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My Place On Earth with Hannah Stitfall
BBC Earth
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Hannah Stitfall (BBC Springwatch presenter) meets director
Mattia Cialoni, who has been documenting a unique occurrence in the town of Villalago in Italy. For the first time in hundreds of years, a mother Marsican bear has had four cubs!
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July 2021. English language.
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Der Apennin: Italiens Naturparadies
ARTE TV
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Behind-the-scenes on location for "My Neighbour Is A Bear" with our star Sabrina Iafolla and director Mattia Cialoni.
Much of our Marsican bear footage illustrates this film about the Apennines' rich natural and cultural heritage (from 12'40").
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September 2020. German language.
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The Last Bears Of Italy
WaterBear (Off The Fence Films)
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Some of our bear shots and aerial footage of Villalago feature in this 15 minute film from UK production company, Off The Fence.
Following the efforts of national park guard Mario Cipollone to create a safe home for the Marsican Bear in an area of mass tourism.
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May 2021. English language.
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