Atonement (1971)
A 1971 Canadian documentary from the National Film Board, chronicling the dedicated efforts of wildlife specialists to protect Canada's most vulnerable species.
Atonement - Movie Information
- Original Title: Atonement
- Release Year: 1971
- Directed by: Michael McKennirey
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Documentary
- Runtime: 51m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Production Companies: George Pearson, ONF | NFB
- Production Countries: Canada
- Alternative Titles: Compte à rebours (CA)
Atonement - Plot
Canadian wildlife specialists work to preserve and nurture the creatures that remain in our wilderness areas - species such as the whooping crane, prairie falcons, bighorn sheep, bison, polar bears, and grizzlies.
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Atonement - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Michael McKennirey
Main Cast
- Alexander Scourby
Writers
- Michael McKennirey
Producers
- George Pearson
Atonement - FAQs
What is Atonement (1971) about?
Atonement is a 1971 Canadian documentary that follows wildlife specialists dedicated to protecting endangered and vulnerable species across Canada's wilderness. From whooping cranes and prairie falcons to polar bears, bison, bighorn sheep, and grizzlies, the film shines a light on conservation efforts in some of North America's most remote habitats.
Who directed the 1971 documentary Atonement?
Atonement was directed by Michael McKennirey, who also wrote the film. It was produced under the banner of the National Film Board of Canada (ONF | NFB), the country's celebrated public documentary production institution.
Who narrates the documentary Atonement?
The documentary is narrated by Alexander Scourby, who provides the film's voice-over. Scourby was a highly regarded American narrator and actor, widely celebrated for his distinctive, authoritative voice across documentaries and audiobooks throughout his career.
How long is the documentary Atonement?
Atonement runs for 51 minutes, making it a compact but focused documentary experience. Its relatively short runtime allows it to deliver a concentrated look at Canadian wildlife conservation efforts without losing momentum or viewer engagement.
Which animals are featured in Atonement (1971)?
The film spotlights several iconic Canadian species at risk, including whooping cranes, prairie falcons, bighorn sheep, bison, polar bears, and grizzly bears. Each of these animals represents a broader story about habitat loss and the urgent need for wildlife conservation across Canada's vast wilderness.
What is the alternative title for Atonement (1971)?
In Canada, the film is also known under its French-language title Compte à rebours, reflecting the bilingual nature of the National Film Board of Canada, which regularly produces and distributes films in both English and French for Canadian audiences.
Who produced the 1971 film Atonement?
Atonement was produced by George Pearson under the National Film Board of Canada (ONF | NFB). The NFB has long been a cornerstone of Canadian documentary filmmaking, supporting projects that explore the country's natural environment, culture, and social issues.
What are similar documentaries to Atonement (1971)?
If you enjoy Atonement, you might also appreciate nature-focused films like Polar Bear (2022), Breaking Boundaries: The Science of Our Planet (2021), and Surviving Paradise: A Family Tale (2022). For something closer in tone, try A Flower, The Mirror (2009) or Winter's End (2022).
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