Bettina “Tina” Dalton passes away at the age of 61

The Giant Screen Cinema Association is deeply saddened by the passing of Bettina “Tina” Dalton, an award-winning natural history filmmaker, producer, and valued member of the GSCA community. Bettina passed away at the age of 61.

An Emmy- and Sundance-nominated producer/director, Bettina was recognized as one of the central women who helped shape natural history filmmaking in Australia. She began her career in front of the camera as one of the original hosts of Australia’s beloved travel program Getaway before building an extraordinary career behind the camera, using storytelling to shine an important light on the natural world.

As Executive Producer and Principal of WildBear Entertainment, Bettina produced and directed award-winning content for audiences around the globe. Her work reflected her deep passion for environmental and natural history storytelling, wildlife science, conservation, and stories about remarkable women. Among her acclaimed feature documentaries were Playing with Sharks, about pioneering conservationist and filmmaker Valerie Taylor, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and was acquired by National Geographic Documentary Films, and Rachel’s Farm, following Rachel Ward’s journey into regenerative farming.

Bettina was also bringing that passion to the giant screen. As a GSCA member, she was developing The Magic of Hummingbirds, a project that exemplified her ability to find wonder in the natural world and imagine how that wonder could be shared with audiences on the world’s largest screens.

Throughout her career, Bettina believed in telling stories that did more than entertain — stories that could resonate globally, change perceptions, and help move the needle on important social and environmental issues. Her curiosity, determination, creativity, and commitment to our natural world leave an extraordinary legacy.

We are grateful that Bettina was part of the GSCA community and that we had the opportunity to know her and experience her passion for this industry.

Our heartfelt condolences go to Bettina’s daughters, Pnina and Chana, her mother, sister and brother, her colleagues and friends at WildBear Entertainment, and the many people throughout the filmmaking community whose lives she touched.

Bettina will be greatly missed, but the stories she told — and the light she shone on our natural world — will endure.