Frozen Prairie explores the American Bison’s relationship with the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. A keystone species, bison play a major role in maintaining a healthy and balanced environment. The largest terrestrial animal on the continent of North America, they have long served as an iconic symbol of our people and culture.

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In the 19th century, the westward expansion of European colonists across the continent drove the species into rapid decline. The slaughter of Bison is the largest extermination of an animal in modern history, led directly by the United States government in an attempt to defeat and submit Indigenous tribes who resisted the takeover of their lands.

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The species’ recovery began through the work of conservationists and Indigenous tribes throughout the 20th and 21st century. Protected land like Yellowstone National Park has led to the remarkable recovery of these animals, with numbers in the park growing from only two dozen in 1902 to 4500 in the park today. While conservation efforts have helped save the species from extinction, continued efforts are still needed. 

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Funded by the School of Communication & Media Arts at Sacred Heart University, Frozen Prairie was produced in collaboration with Yellowstone National Park and Jackson Hole EcoTour Adventures. 

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As the director, producer and DP of this documentary, I led all aspects of cinematography, pre-production and post-production. I began working on this film in August 2024, applying for grants and beginning the NPS permitting process. The expedition to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem took place over several weeks in the winter of 2025, where I was accompanied by fellow cinematographer Carter Johnson-Chen.

 

Frozen Prairie was released on April 30, 2025 at the Sacred Heart University academic festival. It was awarded the College of Arts and Sciences Dean's Prize, the SCMA Award of Excellence and took home the 2025 Board of Visitors Award in a field of over 200 projects.

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Frozen Prairie is available to watch now on Youtube:

FROZEN PRAIRIE: A Documentary by Collin Moura

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