“The Last Keeper” Continues to Gain Traction with International Film Festivals and Sold-Out U.K. Premiere

Whitefish, MT — The Shepherds of Wildlife Society is proud to announce the release of its latest documentary, The Last Keeper. This film is the second in the acclaimed Killing the Shepherd series by director Tom Opre. It delves into the heart of the Scottish Highlands, exploring contemporary wildlife management issues and the struggle of rural communities. 

The film started its international premiere in Edinburgh, Scotland, on April 24, 2024, kicking off a 10-stop tour across the U.K. welcoming more than 1,000 people to sold-out theaters.

“The reception in the U.K. has been incredible,” commented Tom Opre, founder of the Shepherds of Wildlife Society. “We recognize this story’s impact on the local political scene and appreciate the opportunity to highlight this story and inspire discussions across the countryside.” The Last Keeper illuminates the plight of gamekeepers, ghillies, and stalkers who see their traditional role as stewards of the land threatened. The film follows their fight to ensure healthy ecosystems while preserving their cultural heritage and right to a livelihood.

Selected for Multiple Film Festivals

The Last Keeper is having an impact on the film festival scene as well as it has been selected and awarded by numerous international film festivals, including the following:

• Wildlife Vaasa Festival-International Nature Film Festival; September 25, 2024 - Finalist

• Dubai Film Festival; June 25, 2024 - Official Selection

• Nature Without Borders International Film Festival; June 22, 2024 - Outstanding Excellence

• EuropeNow Film Festival - June 14, 2024 - Semi-Finalist

• Toronto Lift-Off Film Festival - June 1, 2024 - Official Selection

• Depth of Field International Film Festival; May 19, 2024 - Outstanding Excellence

• Indie Vegas Film Festival Feature Film; April 25, 2024 - Best Editing

• WorldFest - Houston International Film Festival; April 15, 2024 - Award Winner

• Documentaries Without Borders International Film Festival; April 14, 2024 - Official Selection

• Nyack International Film Festival; April 1, 2024 - Official Selection

• Paris World Cinema Festival; February 28, 2024 - Best Documentary Award Winner

• The Impact DOCS Awards; February 6, 2024 - Award Winner of Merit and Special Mention

• Cannes World Film Festival; February 8, 2024 - Semi-Finalist
  

With the warm reception from film festivals and in the U.K., Shepherds of Wildlife Society is now planning for the U.S. premiere and digital cinema event. Tickets are now available for the initial premiere hosted by director Tom Opre in Whitefish, MT on, Sunday, June 23, 2024, at 7:00 - 9:00 pm MST at the Whitefish Theatre Company. The digital film premiere will follow beginning in late June. 

To learn more about The Last Keeper and the Shepherds of Wildlife Society, visit https://www.shepherdsofwildlife.org/the-last-keeper.