Gravitas Ventures will release the award-winning documentary feature “Unbranded” in theaters nationwide and on VOD on Sept. 25. The film took home the Audience Awards from Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Film Festival — where it had its world debut — as well as from the Telluride Mountainfilm Festival this year.
In this story of rugged independence, “Unbranded” reveals the true interdependence of man, animal and nature — their 3000-mile gauntlet through five states that is indescribable and unforgiving. “Unbranded” follows the story of Ben Masters, Thomas Glover, Jonny Fitzsimons and Ben Thamer as they travel through the deepest backcountry from Mexico through the American West up to Canada, with 16 Mustangs chosen and trained for this purpose. The ride took five and a half months through Arizona, Utah, Idaho, Wyoming and Montana, in famously challenging and beautiful country such as Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon and Glacier National Park. Along the way, the support they receive from others, including a veteran horseman and cowboy poet whose life has been deeply connected to horses and the back country, creates a meaningful bond among the men and the animals.
“Unbranded” initially made waves with a hugely successful Kickstarter campaign where they raised $171,000 from 1,062 backers. In addition, the team set out to inspire adoptions of the 50,000 wild horses living in holding pens in the American West and to bring attention to the fragile ecosystem and this vast stretch of uninterrupted land.
“Unbranded” was directed by Phil Baribeau (“Mountain Men”), who also served as a co-cinematographer with Korey Kaczmarek (“American River Renegades”). Dennis Aig (“Guide Season”) produced. Cindy Meehl (“BUCK”) is the Executive Producer. For more information, visit www.gravitasventures.com.
Official theatrical trailer: https://youtu.be/swX4BLbmBNU
