John Jurko II
John Jurko II’s seven-year odyssey to bring his documentary film “Rhino Man” to viewers came full circle Aug. 20 when he screened the film at Cinemark Tinseltown Boardman.
The film had just been released online after making the rounds at film festivals, but he was able to present it for his parents and other family members, friends and anyone who had been caught up in the buzz about it on a big screen.
“This is the way to do it, on a big screen,” Jurko, a native of Yankee Lake, said after the showing. “People could have went and watched it online, but I wanted to bring it here so they can experience it like that.”
Jurko wore many hats in the creation of the film, including co-director, co-producer and co-cinematographer.
“This is a really special event, just being able to be here with friends and family,” Jurko said. “It’s been I don’t know how many years since I left the Brookfield area.”
The Jurko family.
“Rhino Man” tells the stories of South African park rangers who protect rhinos and other endangered species from poachers; shows a weeding-out boot camp for would-be rangers; and documents the toll poaching takes on the rhinos and the rangers themselves, who sometimes are victims of the violent criminal syndicates that sell rhino horn to predominantly Asian markets for traditional medicines.
The African landscape with its scrubby flatlands, lush valleys and wandering giraffes and elephants also is a character in the film.
“Rhino Man” includes an introduction by England’s Prince William, who befriended the filmmakers after one of the rangers featured in the film was murdered.
Jurko, who lives in Atlanta, said the marketing of the film will now begin in earnest, but the initial reaction has been positive.
“Been getting great feedback,” Jurko said. “Tons of great reviews and people commenting on the website saying how much it impacted them. I feel good about it.”
The film can be seen through online platforms Amazon, Apple TV, Google Play and Vimeo on Demand. Go to rhinomanthemovie.org to keep up with happenings related to the movie.
