Butterflies on the Brink: The Story of the Mottled Duskywing tells the story of a University of Guelph project to reintroduce an endangered butterfly. The documentary will be screened at the Bookshelf Cinema in downtown Guelph on March 29 at 4:30 p.m. and April 3 at 7 p.m.

Butterflies on the Brink follows the research and recovery team, led Dr. Ryan Norris from the Department of Integrative Biology and biologist Jessica Linton, with support from the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory team, as they work to reintroduce the mottled duskywing butterfly to Pinery Provincial Park. The project represents the first time a butterfly has ever been successfully reintroduced into Ontario, and, since their reintroduction in 2021, the butterflies are showing signs of recovery.

Once widespread across many parts of central Canada, mottled duskywings have nearly disappeared from Ontario. Like many other species, the butterflies’ number have plummeted in recent decades due to habitat loss. In 2012, the butterflies were declared endangered in Canada.

Butterflies on the Brink is a captivating tale of triumphs, setbacks, and the unwavering dedication of a group determined to secure the future of this enchanting butterfly.

Dr. Ryan Norris and Jessica Linton will be at the screening for a Q&A afterwards.

Advance tickets are available in the bookstore. All seats $12.00 (HST included).

The film recently won Best Feature at the SOFA Film Festival.