The Art of Adventure (Alison Reid) Canada |

The Art of Adventure
Alison Reid
Canada. 2026. 86 min

In 1957, renowned wildlife artist Robert Bateman and spirited biologist Bristol Foster set out on a global expedition in a rugged Land Rover they call “The Grizzly Torque”. Starting in the UK, their travels take them to the far corners of the earth. From the lush rainforests of the Congo to the vibrant landscapes of India, Bob paints the wonders they encounter, while Bristol films on his 16mm Bolex camera. Fifty-seven years later, the abandoned Grizzly Torque is rediscovered. As its hidden history emerges and a new owner restores it to its former glory, the tale of their environmental activism through art and science unfolds.

ALISON REID

Alison Reid is an award-winning Canadian filmmaker known for stories of adventure and exploration of the human spirit. After a groundbreaking career as a stunt performer and one of North America’s first female stunt coordinators, she founded Free Spirit Films to pursue bold, character-driven storytelling.
Her debut feature, the LGBTQ2+ comedy The Baby Formula, opened the Mannheim Heidelberg Film Festival in 2008 and screened world-wide. She went on to direct & produce the critically acclaimed feature documentary The Woman Who Loves Giraffes, which won multiple Best Film and Audience Awards and enjoyed a wide theatrical release across Canada and the United States. With positive reviews by The New York Times, The Washington Post, LA Times, Variety, and The Wrap, the film holds a 100% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes and continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.

PRESS KIT

DIRECTOR´S NOTE

Environmental films can often seem heavy or dire, but The Art of Adventure invites audiences on a thrilling, joyful journey that entertains. It weaves together adventure, friendship, art, and conservation, taking audiences into a world once wild and largely unscarred. It reveals how two very different men helped shape environmental thinking in Canada and beyond, and how their work continues to resonate at a moment of ecological urgency.

Bristol and Bob’s curiosity, courage, and creativity make environmental stewardship feel accessible, exciting – and deeply human. With this spirit top of mind – The Art of Adventure passes the torch to a new generation – showing young people that protecting the planet can begin with curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to explore. At a time when both nature and cultural vitality are top of mind their story reminds us of who we are, what we value, and what is still worth protecting.

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