Through the Wilderness

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Award-winning Yellowstone photographer and documentary filmmaker Brad Orsted embarks on a seven-year quest for refuge and redemption in America's wilderness following the tragic death of his fifteen-month-old daughter, Marley. Consumed by grief, guilt, and self-blame, Brad spirals into a dark abyss, relying on prescription drugs and alcohol, even contemplating suicide. Meanwhile, his wife, Stacey, seeks a fresh start for their family, eventually relocating to Yellowstone National Park with their daughters, Mazzy and Chloe. The narrative begins five months after their arrival in 2012, when Brad, still trapped in his addiction, has a life-altering encounter with a grizzly bear. This moment sparks a realization that he wants to live, though he is uncertain how to move forward. Seeking help, he participates in a Crow sweat lodge ceremony, where an elder encourages him to stop grieving. This pivotal moment sets Brad on a transformative journey toward sobriety and inner peace, aided by the wild lessons he learns, his new role as a wildlife photographer and filmmaker, and the companionship of two orphan grizzly cubs. Brad's decade-long odyssey is a profound exploration of the human spirit, leading him to forgiveness, love, and ultimately, a renewed connection to his daughter Marley.