In the forests of Québec, filmmaker Demelza enters a wolf park where visitors can step inside enclosures and meet the animals up close. Among them is Talla, a young she-wolf with an untamed spirit.
As Demelza follows her over time, she realizes that the wild is confined not only by fences, but by human stories of fear and violence that distort our gaze. When Talla grows, challenges the pack, and is isolated in an ever smaller space, a painful truth emerges: in nature she could choose to leave—here she cannot.
Demelza can’t open the gate, but she can change her cinematic gesture. She stops trying to possess Talla through the camera and begins to listen to her wordless language. By letting go of control, Demelza reconnects with a sense of wilderness within herself.
documentary – 70’ – 4K – 5.1
in post-production
expected completion date 2026
directed by Demelza Kooij
produced by Folk Film (NO), in coproduction with Sisyfos Film Production (SE) and Jump Cut
director of Photography: Joris Cottin
additional Cinematography: Demelza Kooij
editors: Kieran Gosney, Valentina Cicogna
composer: Lars Koens
developed at Eurodoc 2023
supported by Screen Scotland (UK), Swedish Film Institute (SE), Creative Europe MEDIA, PROCIREP (FR)
selected by Scottish Showcase Cannes Docs 2024, When East Meets West/This is IT 2025