We were invited to watch a special screening of Disneynature BEARS last week at the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration and fell in love with the story of a mother bear persevering for the survival of her two young cubs. The film is heartfelt and as a mother myself, absolutely relateable. A mother’s journey is never easy and I enjoyed watching the captivating story of a momma bear facing all her parenting struggles for survival. Disneynature BEARS is a must see film for parents and animal adoring children.
During the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration, we heard from Disneynature and learned about the creative process while filming BEARS. Following the short presentation we were treated to a screening of the film in Downtown Disney.
Disneynature BEARS follows the story of a mother bear, Sky, along her journey for survival with her two young cubs, Amber and Scout.
In an epic story of breathtaking scale, Disneynature’s new True Life Adventure “Bears” showcases a year in the life of a bear family as two impressionable young cubs are taught life’s most important lessons. Set against a majestic Alaskan backdrop teeming with life, their journey begins as winter comes to an end and the bears emerge from hibernation to face the bitter cold. The world outside is exciting—but risky—as the cubs’ playful descent down the mountain carries with it a looming threat of avalanches. As the season changes from spring to summer, the brown bears must work hard to find food—ultimately feasting at a plentiful salmon run—while staying safe from rival male bears and predators, including an ever-present wolf. “Bears” captures the fast-moving action and suspense of life in one of the planet’s last great wildernesses—Alaska!
Amber and Scout are curious cubs that can easily get into trouble with out Sky by their side.
The untouched Alaska land filmed for the movie provided the opportunity for the production crew to be among enormous bears with out feeling threatened. The experienced guides accompanying the team used their keen sense of bear behavior to avoid confrontation. The guides and crew were not equipped with firearms or pepper spray and the safety of all crew members and the wild animals was the first priority. All footage for the movie was filmed on the ground for a genuine bear’s perspective. The production team spent 12-14 hours filming and regularly consumed their meals just 10 feet from the bears. While the bears weren’t drawn to the food, the crew members were prohibited from eating fish as the bears would have recognized the scent as food. The production camp enforced strict rules regarding food to avoid the bears visiting during the night.
Just like all mothers, Sky faces challenges while raising her two young cubs. The film watches her struggle to keep the curious cubs by her side as she encounters predators and searches for food. The mountainous terrain and cold weather serves great challenges for the cubs to follow but Sky always manages to keep them safe.
Disneynature BEARS is now playing in theaters. See BEARS opening week and Disneynature will make a contribution to the National Park Foundation to protect wildlife and wild places across America’s National Parks.
Watch as mother bear, Sky, faces multiple challenges on her journey with two young cubs, Amber and Scout.
Before you take your family to see the movie, make time for some BEARS themed family fun.
Printable activities:
- Disneynature BEARS paw activity
- Disneynature BEARS word search
- Disneynature BEARS printable mask
- Disneynature BEARS dinner activity and animal cards
For educational resources and learning opportunities in the classroom, download the free educator’s guide with nearly 100 pages of standards-aligned lessons and activities targeted to grades 2-6.
Learn more about Disneynature BEARS by following Disneynature on Facebook and Twitter!
Disclosure: My family was invited to a complimentary screening for Disney Nature Bears before it was released in theaters at the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration. All opinions are my own.