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Filmmaker Captures Winnipeg's Heart in 'The Mother and the Bear'

1/11/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Mother and the Bear, by Filmmaker Johnny Ma, is set in Winnipeg.
Ma was initially hesitant to switch filming from Cincinnati to Winnipeg.
He grew intrigued by Winnipeg's character, which influenced the project.
A Manitoba winter shaped the narrative about a South Korean mother visiting her injured daughter.
Ma aims for local resonance and broad appeal by exploring nostalgia and generational ties.

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Story summary

The Mother and the Bear, by Filmmaker Johnny Ma, is set in Winnipeg.
Ma was initially hesitant to switch filming from Cincinnati to Winnipeg.
He grew intrigued by Winnipeg's character, which influenced the project.
A Manitoba winter shaped the narrative about a South Korean mother visiting her injured daughter.
Ma aims for local resonance and broad appeal by exploring nostalgia and generational ties.