New giant screen documentary from Grizzly Creek Films set for global release in November 2026
Laguna Beach, CA – April 9, 2026 – MacGillivray Freeman Films, the world’s leading independent producer and distributor of giant screen films, announced today that it will serve as the global distributor for American Amazon, a sweeping new documentary from Grizzly Creek Films. The film is slated for release in theaters and museums worldwide beginning November 2026.
Four years in the making, American Amazon invites audiences on a breathtaking journey through one of the most overlooked and biologically rich regions on Earth—the vast network of wetlands spanning Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and the Carolinas. Often referred to as “America’s Amazon,” this ancient and mysterious landscape is home to towering two-thousand-year-old cypress trees, labyrinthine flooded forests, and an astonishing array of wildlife and ecological phenomena.
From the mass migration of swallow-tailed kites—the world’s only social raptor—to the elusive behaviors of American black bears, American Amazon reveals a world teeming with life, discovery, and enduring mystery. Winding through blackwater rivers and bubbling up from crystalline springs, the film uncovers stories long hidden within the deep South’s last great wilderness.
“American Amazon is exactly the kind of awe-inspiring, immersive storytelling that defines the giant screen experience,” said Shaun MacGillivray, President of MacGillivray Freeman Films. “This film shines a light on an extraordinary ecosystem that many people don’t even realize exists, and does so with a sense of scale, beauty, and urgency that will captivate audiences around the world.”
Produced by award-winning studio Grizzly Creek Films, American Amazon exemplifies the company’s commitment to cinematic storytelling that blends dynamic characters, emotional depth, and stunning natural imagery. Based in Montana, Grizzly Creek Films has built a reputation for crafting visually spectacular films that connect audiences to the natural world through authentic, character-driven narratives.
“From the beginning, our goal with American Amazon was to reveal a hidden world in a way that feels both epic and deeply personal,” said Thomas Winston, Producer, Grizzly Creek Films. “We believe this film has the power to transform how people see this region—and inspire a deeper connection to the wild places in their own backyard.” Co-Producers Eric Bendick and Mac Stone have drawn upon extensive knowledge and exploration in the region to showcase a unique lineup of natural history stories – many of which have never before been captured on film.
More than a visual spectacle, American Amazon is a celebration of a fragile and irreplaceable ecosystem—and a call to action. By sharing the untold stories and extraordinary biodiversity of this region, the film aims to inspire audiences to reconnect with nature and recognize the importance of preserving these vital landscapes for future generations.
With MacGillivray Freeman Films leading global distribution, American Amazon will roll out to leading science centers, museums, and giant screen theaters, bringing this remarkable story to audiences worldwide.
About MacGillivray Freeman Films
MacGillivray Freeman Films is the world’s foremost independent producer and distributor of original giant screen films for IMAX® and other large-format theaters. For more than 50 years, the company has been creating immersive, visually stunning films designed to educate, entertain, and inspire audiences around the globe. Its films have won numerous international awards including two Academy Award nominations and three films inducted into the IMAX Hall of Fame, including Everest, the highest grossing giant-screen film of all time. MacGillivray Freeman’s films are known for their artistry and celebration of science and the natural world. It is the first documentary film company to reach the one-billion-dollar benchmark for worldwide box office.
About Grizzly Creek Films
Grizzly Creek Films specializes in filmmaking that marries compelling storytelling, dynamic characters, and unparalleled imagery. From their home base in Montana to locations around the world, the company produces films defined by authentic emotion, heart-pounding action, and breathtaking natural wonders.
