Help me make my new documentary about wolves
Donation protected
I'm Mattia Cialoni, and anyone who knows me probably also knows about my passion for the mountain environment and for big predators like bears and wolves.
I spent the last few years trying to figure out how to turn that passion into a career until a finally had the opportunity to enter the Master in Wildlife Filmmaking at the University of West England in Bristol and make my first short documentary: "My Neighbour is a Bear".
"My Neighbour is a Bear"
With my first-ever film, I managed to show a delightful story of coexistence between people and bears at many Film Festivals around the globe. I got also nominated for the Panda Award '22 as an "emerging talent" and won the NaturVision '22 and Wild & Scenic Film Festival '23.
Last October '22 the film has been premiered in London at an event organised by The European Nature Trust. "My Neighbour is a Bear" and Chris Morgan's and Alessio Bariviera's film: "Path of the Bear" were shown at the Harm Yard Hotel and all the proceeds donated to Salviamo l'Orso, the ONG that is working towards the protection of the rare Marsican bears of Abruzzo.
The panel discussion during the UK premiere
The goal of sharing a conservation message with the world through my work has been finally achieved and I am extremely grateful for this incredible experience I just had!
Immediately after completed My Neighbour is a bear I worked into a new film idea about my favourite animal in the wild: the wolf (sorry beloved bears).
a wolf in the snow @ Gianluca Damiani
At the beginning of 2022, I started researching the story of a young conservationist and wildlife photographer on the quest of writing a scientific/photographic book about wolves and portraying them not just in the mountains but in different environments in the Italian peninsula, including towns and by the sea.
Gianluca is 25 years old and works in the conservation of wildlife that lives in Rome and Italy and has followed the trail of wolves in Italy for the last 10 years, documenting their secret life and never seen before behaviours. He shares his experiences with many people and friends and actively works towards raising awareness.
I spent many hours with Gianluca filming wolves, getting to know more about him and about this iconic species that more than ever, with its comeback not just in Italy but in Europe, is giving a special contribution to the health of the environment but still demonised and feared by many. This film will tell stories of wolves through the eyes of a passionate naturalist and wildlife photographer like Gianluca. It aims to mitigate the conflict with big predators and help people to understand the wolves and learn how to coexist with them. Furthermore the film is filled with action, adrenaline and humour. Not to forget the blue chip sequences of wolves in action filmed in the recent years.
Mattia Cialoni and Gianluca Damiani , the main character
I wrote this new feature film in 2022 and I have been shooting over the last 24 months in various Regions, including Lazio, Abruzzo, Basilicata, Marche, Toscana, Emilia Romagna and I will need to film in more places at different time of the year for the next 12 months and won't be able to continue shooting without financial help, having to deal with logistic and expanses. and the enourmous costs of post production.
That's why I am asking you to support me and share this fundraiser on your social media. If you can donate in any way, no matter how small, it would mean a lot to me!
Thank you all for your support and I can’t wait to share with you all my new film: "My Time with Wolves"! The film will be completed by Winter 2025.
How Your Donation Will Help
The money raised from this fundraiser will go directly towards the production of this film, to allow the best possible storytelling and cinematography.
I started the crowdfunding more than a year ago and I am 12 months away from the completion of the film and I will need your help for achieving this dream of mine.
Please follow me on social media to be able to follow our journey!
Organizer
Mattia Cialoni
Organizer
England