Has anyone seen a preview of this movie or know anything about the storyline?

Given CNN's reputation I can't imagine that this movie will be positive for hunting. Probably something along the lines of Blackfish.

http://www.indiewire.com/2017/...uisition-1201771216/

The Orchard and CNN Acquire Documentary ‘Trophy’ — Sundance 2017
The doc that premiered at Sundance Friday looks at the evolving relationship between big-game hunting and wildlife conservation.

The Orchard and CNN Films have acquired the North American rights to the Sundance entry “Trophy,” directed by Shaul Schwarz and Christina Clusiau. The Orchard is taking all North American rights except broadcast, which will be handled by CNN. A studio is in the process of negotiating international rights to the film.
The acquisition comes on the day of the premiere of the movie, which was produced by Lauren Haber and Julia Nottingham of Pulse Films and screens in Sundance’s U.S. Documentary Competition section.
“Trophy” is a “startling exploration of the evolving relationship between big-game hunting and wildlife conservation,” and will be released this year on at least 150 screens, according to The Orchard. The film looks at endangered African species like elephants, rhinos and lions, and investigates the industries of big-game hunting, breeding and wildlife conservation to ask the question: What are the implications of treating animals as commodities?
“With The Orchard’s theatrical distribution ingenuity and CNN’s diverse audience, we can’t think of a better combination of companies to reach audiences on all sides of a potentially polarizing issue,” Schwarz and Clusiau said in the statement.
“Trophy” was executive produced by Thomas Benski and Lucas Ochoa of Pulse Films, Lars Knudsen (“The Long Run”), Dan Cogan of Impact Partners, Sharon Chang of 19340 Productions, Lilly Hartley and Jeffrey Tarrant of Candescent Films, Maxyne Franklin of Bertha BRITDOC, Kate Townsend of BBC Storyville, Victoria Steventon of Influence Films and Tom Hardy and Dean Baker.

quote:

directed by Shaul Schwarz and Christina Clusiau

I think I answered my question. He's a NatGeo contributing photog and she is a photog/human rights educator.

Better get ready to buckle down for the sh*t storm after its released.

quote:

With The Orchard’s theatrical distribution ingenuity and CNN’s diverse audience, we can’t think of a better combination of companies to reach audiences on all sides of a potentially polarizing issue,” Schwarz and Clusiau said in the statement.

Reminds me of the letters the producers at CBS sent to game and fish departments seeking their help in filming its "Guns Of Autumn" hit piece.

Bill Quimby

It should have some positive notes for hunters. Philip Glass, a hunter posts in the film posted about it over on AH. He linked some reviews from the Sundance film festival. Here are the links:
http://www.sltrib.com/home/484...ndance-review-trophy
http://variety.com/2017/film/r...y-review-1201961409/
http://www.indiewire.com/2017/...nce-2017-1201771356/

Bruce

While we all fear the worst, reading the three reviews suggests it may be something different. I am troubled by the review references of poaching as hunting, it does sound as if the documentary tries to examine the issues from multiple viewpoints. Antis will use it to bash hunters because that's what they do. Hopefully, non-hunters with an open mind can find value in the movie that supports the positive aspects of regulated hunting.

I am looking forward to seeing it. A friend who is an operator (and shall remain nameless for now) had them in his camp during some of the filming. He is, naturally, on tenterhooks waiting to see what the film unwinds like, but he did say that from the questions he was asked and the things they wanted to see, plus the filmmakers' feedback he thought it would be worthwhile contributing to.

We shall see, but it would be nice to start the year off with something positive!