First Nations National Guardians Network
Guardians of Lake Babine

Film & Campaign Description

GUARDIANS OF LAKE BABINE

Deep in the frozen wilds of British Columbia, a story of strength, science, and stewardship is unfolding. Filmed over five days in the heart of Lake Babine Nation territory, it’s a portrait of a remarkable Indigenous-led conservation effort: one that’s as grounded in ancestral knowledge as it is in modern science.

The film is the first in a series of documentaries; part of a huge collaboration between the First Nation National Guardians Network and Meantime Studio in the UK. It’s a film that’s grounded, with real storytelling, captured in full cinematic beauty.

Cinematographers Jordan Rendle and Richard Tran, led by Director Christian Lai and Producer Jack Shaw captured a stunning range of footage: aerials of frozen lakes, encounters with wolves, snow-bound moose tracks, and the daily rhythms of life on the land. The Guardians’ work, including collaring moose, restoring habitat, tracking wildlife, was documented with respect and reverence. Sound was a critical part of the vision; gathering wild tracks such as wind through spruce trees, distant water, the calls of birds. Every new location was introduced with wide shots and atmosphere audio, grounding each moment in place before the action unfolded. From heli-blade whir to the crunch of boots in snow, every layer adds to the texture of the story.

Once the expedition wrapped, Meantime Studio took back the reins. Over the next two months, editor Ben Lambert shaped countless hours of raw material into a cohesive and emotionally rich narrative. Multiple rounds of reviews honed the pacing, structure and rhythm; from sweeping landscape sequences to the soft-spoken reflections of Guardians in the field. The final film is a thing of cinematic beauty, grit and grace in equal measure.

Learn More: www.rng-ngn.ca/stories