★★★1/2

At a brisk 72 minutes, Wolf Land is an engrossing documentary about a modern-day ranch rider named Daniel Curry, who works tirelessly to protect wolves and cattle farmers with an eye and goal of coexistence. Located in and around Colville, Washington, Curry partners with a fourth-generation rancher, Jerry Francis, to focus on non-lethal ways to maintain a peaceful ecology between all involved.

Though it takes some time to fully connect, first-time director Sarah Hoffman embeds with Curry and his calm demeanor and passion for his work draws us in.

We witness an intriguing tap dance of sorts, where Curry has to use safe, non-lethal deterrents to protect wolves, while also protecting the local cattle farmers and their herd. His advocacy extends beyond the Northwest where, in a speaking engagement in Colorado, he speaks about creating an organization that seeks to educate and inform how animals and humans can coexist in rural and farming communities.

The longer Wolf Land goes, the better and more interesting it becomes. A true hidden gem in this year’s Northwest Connections programming.

Wolf Land was screened as part of the 51st Seattle International Film Festival.