Abruzzo is home to the world’s last remaining Marsican brown bears. Just a few dozen continue to roam the ancient forests and great mountains at the heart of Italy. One bear, Amarena, became a symbol of this endangered subspecies. She received her name from the inhabitants of the small town of Villalago, whose gardens and orchards she regularly plundered in her quest for Amarena cherries. A relationship based on tolerance and mutual respect formed between the townspeople and the bear. Amarena came to worldwide attention when she gave birth to four cubs and proceeded to teach them how to cross roads, climb fences and, of course, pick cherries. Onlookers came from all over to watch the bear mother rear her young. Two years later, Amarena returns to Villalago with two new cubs. This year, however, frost has damaged the fruit trees and there is less food. The bears have to go further afield, venturing into regions in which wild animals are not welcome. On a warm summer’s night, it happens: Amarena is brought down by a bullet. Her two terrified cubs disappear into the surrounding landscape. Amarena’s death sparks fury throughout Italy and beyond. Finally, people become aware of the precarious existence of the Marsican brown bears and act to protect them. This documentary is a tale of love and loss, of co-existence and conflict – and of hope for a better future.