'Nuisance Bear' Review: When a Polar Bear Disrupts Life in the 'Polar Bear Capital of the World' The sleepy town of Churchill, Manitoba, located on the western shore of Hudson Bay, wears its title as the "Polar Bear Capital of the World" as a badge of honor. Each year, scores of tourists flock to this remote Canadian outpost to catch a glimpse of the majestic Arctic giants that roam the tundra. But in the documentary "Nuisance Bear," directors Jack Weisman and Gabriela Osio Vanden shift the spotlight to a different kind of polar bear – one that has wandered too close to human habitation and become a nuisance to the local community. The film, which had its world premiere at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival, centers around a young male polar bear who, for reasons unknown, has found his way into the heart of Churchill, sparking a tense standoff between the animal and the town's residents. As the bear rummages through garbage cans, naps on people's lawns, and generally causes a ruckus, the community is forced to grapple with how to handle this unwelcome guest. The arrival of this "nuisance bear," as he's dubbed by local wildlife officials, shines a light on the complex and often precarious relationship between humans and the iconic animals that have long defined Churchill's identity. With climate change rapidly transforming the Arctic landscape, polar bears are being forced to venture closer to populated areas in search of food, leading to increasingly frequent encounters with people – not all of them friendly. "Nuisance Bear" doesn't shy away from the gravity of this issue, exploring the broader implications of these human-bear interactions. As the film progresses, it becomes clear that the fate of this young bear is inextricably linked to the larger challenges facing polar bears across the Arctic region. The documentary serves as a sobering reminder of the delicate balance that must be struck between preserving these magnificent creatures and protecting human communities. At the heart of the film is the town of Churchill itself, which emerges as a character in its own right. The directors offer a intimate, fly-on-the-wall glimpse into the daily life of this remote outpost, where the residents' deep connection to the land and their wildlife neighbors is palpable. Whether it's the local polar bear patrol keeping watch for wandering bears or the team of wildlife officers tasked with relocating troublesome animals, the community's response to the nuisance bear highlights their resilience and adaptability in the face of an ever-changing environment. Yet, the film also acknowledges the frustrations and fears that come with living in such close proximity to these powerful predators. As the bear's antics become increasingly disruptive, the townspeople grapple with the best way to handle the situation – a decision that could have far-reaching consequences for both the animal and the community. "Nuisance Bear" is a multifaceted exploration of the delicate balance between human and animal, and the challenges of coexistence in an era of rapid environmental change. Through its intimate portrayal of one bear's misadventures in Churchill, the film sheds light on the broader crisis facing polar bears worldwide, and the difficult choices that communities like this one must make in order to protect both their way of life and the wildlife they cherish. Ultimately, "Nuisance Bear" is a thought-provoking documentary that asks viewers to consider the complex realities of living alongside nature's most magnificent, yet vulnerable, creatures. In doing so, it serves as a powerful call to action, urging us to reevaluate our relationship with the natural world and find sustainable solutions that allow both humans and animals to thrive.