oh you guys!
the title says it! this documentary really is just incredible!
have you heard of blackfish?
it just came out a couple weeks ago & is in select theaters across the country {see a list here}
here is the story line {taken from the blackfish wiki page}:
The documentary focuses on the captivity of the killer whale Tilikum, who was involved in the deaths of three individuals, and the consequences of keeping such large and intelligent animals in captivity. The coverage of Tilikum begins with his capture in 1983 off the coast of Iceland, showing how he was harassed by fellow captive whales and left in dark tanks for hours - incidents which Cowperthwaite argues contributed to the whale's aggression. Cowperthwaite also focuses on SeaWorld's claims that whales in captivity live longer; a claim that the film argues is false.
this film was beautiful. and heartbreaking. and so incredibly well done.
if you have ever been to seaworld or seen killer whales in captivity & thought 'wow, they are so amazing,' *this* is a must-see film.
i have been to orlando 5 times in my life and two of those times, i went to seaworld. i have watched the shamu show & taken pictures next to the tank. i always thought that the whales & trainers had a bond ; much like a human & their dog. it never occurred to me that these whales were being deprived. that they were bored. that they were sleeping in tiny tanks with the lights turned off. it breaks my heart now to think that i sat in the bleachers cheering on these whales, jealous of the incredible experience these trainers were having.
in the four years i have been vegan, plus the year that i have had daphne in my life ; i have become much more aware of animals. the way we treat them. the way we dont. and the incredible suffering that happens in certain environments. i am also well aware of the deep love & affection that we give to animals & the trust and love they give back to us.
i think about daphne on days that i have to work two jobs or weeks where i work 15+ days in a row ; and the way the as soon as i come home, she is glued to my side. she will lay her head on my lap & put her paws on my legs. she gives out a deep sigh & i know that she feels better because i am home.
i am known as being pretty emotional. it really doesnt take much to make me cry. commercials. a song. reading the battle scene in the 7th harry potter. stories of lost dogs reuniting with their humans.
3 minutes in to this film ; i was bawling. and not just small tears falling ; but a snotty nose & soaking a napkin with tears. there are a few scenes where people that have been connected to seaworld & the whales are being interviewed and they are crying or tearing up & i just want to hold everybody.. ;)
this movie is so well made & the musical score is beautiful!
i highly recommend it!
if the movie is NOT playing in your city, you can catch it on CNN on thursday, october 24th at 9pm {check your local listings}
stay connected to blackfish!
have you guys seen this film? heard anything about it?
