The documentary feature, "AMOOSED: A Moose Odyssey," directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Hana Nováková, celebrated its world premiere at the 29th Jihlava International Documentary Film Festival. This prestigious event, which took place from October 24 to November 2, 2025, provided a crucial platform for initiating a widespread public discussion. The central focus of this dialogue is the critical need to harmonize human presence with the natural environment. Nováková’s work offers a profound and detailed exploration into the phenomenon of moose reappearing in the territories of the Czech Republic, meticulously analyzing the multifaceted consequences this ecological shift presents for both the local ecosystem and the broader social fabric of the nation.
The director, who draws upon her formal education as an ethnologist, successfully channeled her personal, intimate encounter with this majestic animal into a compelling cinematic journey. This extensive narrative spans vast geographical distances and diverse cultural contexts. The journey encompasses the dense forest regions of the former Czechoslovakia, specialized Russian stations dedicated to animal domestication, and Swedish safaris where local communities and moose maintain a close, shared existence. The scope extends further across the Atlantic to Nova Scotia, where the indigenous Mi'kmaq people hold the moose in high regard, honoring it not just as wildlife but as a sacred totem, reinforcing the animal's cultural significance across continents.
"AMOOSED" is constructed as a rich collage, skillfully weaving together narratives gathered from deeply personal experiences, rigorous scientific inquiry, and what critics have enthusiastically described as "spiritual" viewpoints. Through this diverse and holistic lens, the film positions the moose not merely as a subject of conservation, but as a symbolic intermediary—a guide bridging the human and natural worlds and representing ecological renewal. The documentary effectively captures the profound shift in human perception toward wild nature, illustrating a transition away from an outdated desire for dominance and toward a contemporary willingness to listen, learn, and peacefully coexist with the environment.
The resurgence of the moose population in Czechia is far from an isolated incident; it is, in fact, part of a larger, observable global trend of wildlife recovery. Other regions, particularly in Russia, have also documented significant growth in large mammal populations. For instance, in the Penza Region, the number of moose has escalated dramatically, increasing tenfold over the past five years alone. This compelling statistic underscores a wider pattern of wild fauna recovery across Eurasia, even as conservationists grapple with persistent challenges related to habitat preservation and territorial management. Consequently, the specific Czech narrative fits seamlessly into a global imperative to re-evaluate humanity’s stewardship role within the natural world.
Ultimately, "AMOOSED: A Moose Odyssey" transcends simple documentation of ecological changes by delving into the evolving human relationship with the wild. The documentary features insightful reflections from experts on both the difficulties and the triumphs of contemporary conservation initiatives. The film challenges viewers to consider how modern society can restore a lost connection with the surrounding world, suggesting that the wisdom embedded within cultures living in close harmony with nature might hold essential answers. The planned wide theatrical release of the documentary in Czech cinemas, scheduled for November 2025, is highly anticipated and is expected to act as a significant catalyst for continued public dialogue regarding environmental responsibility and ethical coexistence.