The documentary from Mission Partners Entertainment Group premieres in IMAX® and Giant Screen Theaters beginning April 2026
Denver, CO (November 10, 2025) — Mission Partners Entertainment Group (MPEG) and Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation, in partnership with Wild Salmon Center, announced today that Academy Award® nominee Liam Neeson (Schindler’s List, Taken, The Grey) will narrate the upcoming documentary for IMAX® and Giant Screen Theaters, Running Wild: Return to the River.
Carving through rugged mountains and ancient forests, the rivers of the Pacific Northwest sustain an extraordinary web of life – from brown bears, wolves and spirit bears along the riverbanks to orcas, sea lions, and eagles drawn to the coast. At the heart of this vibrant ecosystem is the wild Pacific salmon, whose epic migrations nourish both land and sea. In Running Wild: Return to the River, audiences will journey through this breathtaking region in a giant screen adventure that celebrates nature’s powerful connections and the resilience of life that depends on clean, flowing water.
An avid angler and conservationist, Neeson found a personal connection with the film’s themes.
“The story of the salmon’s return is one of nature’s greatest odysseys – and a powerful reminder of our responsibility to protect the wild places that sustain us all,” said Neeson. “I was drawn to this film because it captures both the beauty and the urgency of conservation in a way that’s deeply moving and shows how everything in nature, including us, is connected.”
Through stunning cinematography and moving storytelling, Running Wild: Return to the River shows how even the smallest animals can have a big impact—and how protecting one part of nature helps keep the whole wild world in balance.
“We’re honored to collaborate with Liam Neeson on this project,” said Chris Dorsey, President of Mission Partners Entertainment Group. “His deep respect for nature and his unmistakable voice bring tremendous authenticity and power to this story. Running Wild: Return to the River is a celebration of life’s connections and a call to safeguard them for generations to come.”
Directed by award-winning filmmaker and giant screen veteran, Myles Connolly, this film combines cinematic storytelling with real-world conservation impact. With its sweeping visuals and focus on one of nature’s most extraordinary species, Running Wild promises to be a standout experience for museum audiences.
“Running Wild: Return to the River is everything we love to bring to museum audiences – immersive, visually breathtaking, and deeply meaningful,” said Antonietta Monteleone, CEO of Mission Partners Entertainment Group. “It’s the kind of film that reminds viewers why these giant screens exist – to experience the wonder of the natural world in a way that moves and inspires.”
Mission Partners Entertainment Group (MPEG) is dedicated to creating visually stunning, impactful documentaries that engage audiences on important environmental and conservation issues. Currently, MPEG has a number of natural history films in production and development, all designed to inspire global audiences and educate the next generation of conservationists.
For more information about Running Wild: Return to the River and other upcoming projects from Mission Partners Entertainment Group, visit www.mpegfilm.com.
About Mission Partners
Denver-based Mission Partners Entertainment Group released Wings Over Water narrated by Michael Keaton in 2022, a joint venture between the Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, and the National Audubon Society. MPEG and McGraw will soon release Secrets of Great Salt Lake narrated by Mike Rowe. The films lead conservation sponsor is Ducks Unlimited and lead corporate sponsor is Uline. The film will be distributed worldwide and will also feature as the anchor title for the soon-to-be-completed giant screen destination theater and interpretive center at Utah’s Antelope Island State Park. Two additional natural history films are currently in production with several more in the development stage, engaging more than a dozen key partners. Mission’s pipeline into more than 10,000 schools provides an unrivaled opportunity to inspire the nation’s youth and activate the next generation of conservationists and thought leaders.
About Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation
The Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation, established in 1962, is a non-profit organization whose mission is “to drive innovation and entrepreneurial thought in conservation.” McGraw is led by a senior executive team with deep ties to the communications, media and conservation industry. Its network includes Pulitzer Prize winning journalists, award winning news executives and leaders from across the conservation arena. It is held in the highest esteem for its research work, bringing about economic efficiency in conservation and elevating the awareness of key conservation issues. For more information, visit www.mcgraw.org.
