Sisbro Studios Wins Big at 2009 International Wildlife Film Festival

Missoula, MT – May 16, 2009 – Last night during the closing ceremonies of the International Wildlife Film Festival (IWFF), an annual event that promotes awareness, knowledge and understanding of wildlife, habitat, people and nature through excellence in film, television, and other media, Sisbro Studios received three awards for their latest film The Riddle in a Bottle.  

“We’re truly honored to be recognized by such a prestigious group,” said an excited Laura Sams who, along with brother and co-director Robert Sams, accepted the awards at the gala event. “We are big fans of the festival and are very proud to be amongst the talented artists who are spotlighted.”

Founded in 1977, IWFF is the premier venue for wildlife filmmaking and filmmakers.  Often called the “Sundance” of the wildlife film genre, IWFF was the first film festival of its kind and has been supported throughout the years by organizations such as National Geographic, the Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, the BBC, and many others involved in environmental filmmaking worldwide.  

The Riddle in a Bottle has been honored with the Special Jury Award, Best Children’s Program, and a merit award for script. “The final judges absolutely loved it,” said Janet Rose, Executive Director of IWFF. This is the second film by Sisbro Studios to be featured at the festival.   Stranger in the Woods: The Movie, was one of four finalists in 2003.”

"The Jury felt that 'The Riddle in a Bottle' team should be recognized for a special Jury Award for the production of a wonderfully refreshing, well structured and fun-filled film that introduces children to the potentially 'boring' concept of the 'water cycle' in a clear and entertaining manner,” said Peter Basset, IWFF Judge and Producer, BBC Natural History Unit.

The Riddle in a Bottle is a lively mix of mystery, original music, humor and vivid animal footage that helps children understand how they are connected with oceans no matter where they live. “With a generous grant from the Save Our Seas Foundation, we purchased camera equipment and spent two years capturing footage from Michigan to the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. We are extremely happy with the results,” said Rob Sams.

About Sisbro Studios
Founded in 2001, Sisbro Studios creates award-winning high-quality movies, books, music and educational media that entertain and inspire children to learn about and explore the natural world. Sisbro Studios has been presented with over 40 international awards for its smart and entertaining product offering. Product families include:  The Riddle in a Bottle, Lost in the Woods: The Movie, Stranger in the Woods: The Movie and Bearly Alike for films, A Pirate’s Quest for books, and Lost in the Woods: The Soundtrack, and Stranger in the Woods: The Soundtrack for music. For more information about Sisbro Studios, visit www.sisbro.com.

For information about the International Wildlife Film Festival, visit www.wildlifefilms.org