National Museum of Wildlife Art to Host Premiere Screening of Award-Winning “Heart of a Lion” Documentary with Live Filmmaker Q&A
January 26, 2026Intimate portrait of mountain lions by local filmmaker Jeff Hogan and renowned biologist Dr. Mark Elbroch comes to Jackson on February 13
The National Museum of Wildlife Art is pleased to present a special screening of Heart of a Lion, an award-winning feature-length documentary that offers an unprecedented look into the lives of mountain lions in the American West. The event will take place on Friday, February 13, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. MST at the Museum. The evening will begin with hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar, followed by the film premiere and a live Q&A session with filmmaker Jeff Hogan and world-renowned biologist and author Dr. Mark Elbroch.
Heart of a Lion follows Elbroch on an extraordinary journey from the rugged wilderness surrounding Jackson, Wyoming, to the misty forests of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. The film centers on two mountain lion mothers, F61 and Yoko, whose lives Elbroch has meticulously tracked for years. Through stunning cinematography and patient observation, Hogan and Elbroch reveal the hidden lives of these elusive cats with intimacy and beauty, asking audiences to replace fear with respect and wonder.
The film has already garnered critical acclaim, winning Best Editing and Best Cinematography at the 41st Boston Film Festival in 2025.
The documentary goes beyond traditional wildlife filmmaking to explore not only the crucial ecological role mountain lions play in their ecosystems but also the emotional intelligence and resilience that define their existence in the wild. At its core, this story is about coexistence—and about reimagining our place in a wilder, more connected world.
“This screening represents a perfect alignment with our mission to impart knowledge and generate wonder through art and education,” said Stefanie Nishio, the Museum’s Programs & Events Manager. “Heart of a Lion offers our community a unique opportunity to gain deeper understanding and appreciation for the mountain lions that share our landscape.”
EVENT SCHEDULE:
5:30 – 6:30 p.m.: Hors d’oeuvres and cash bar by Palate
6:45 – 9 p.m.: Film premiere followed by Q&A with Dr. Mark Elbroch and Jeff Hogan
Seating is limited. Admission is free, but attendees are encouraged to reserve their seats now to ensure they don’t miss this special event.