Canadian Movie News –

Canadian Movie News –

Blackfish at VIFF on Monday
By Staff

;Blackfish at VIFF on March 17;
(March 14, 2014 – Vancouver, B.C.) Perhaps you remember Tilikum? The killer whale was once a star attraction at Oak Bay, British Columbia’s Sealand of the Pacific park from 1983 to 1992. That`s when he was shipped out to SeaWorld in Orlando, Florida. The sale took place shortly after the tragic death of a trainer, Keltie Byrne, who slipped and fell into the pool. Although Tilikum was officially exonerated from the death, eye-witnesses tell a very different story. And as filmmaker Gabriela Cowperthwaite discovered, this was not to be the last human death associated with the bull orca.

In fact there is little doubt that the brutal conditions in which he has spent most of his life in captivity have made him into a lethal threat to those people who love him most – his trainers. Meanwhile SeaWorld insists there is nothing to be concerned about here, and continue to propagate self-serving myths about the orcas even as they endanger the lives of their employees.

In the first of a new series of environmental films copresented with Sea Shepherd, Vancity Theatre is bringing back one of their biggest hits from last year. Blackfish is a powerful exposé of how orcas fare in captivity in aquatic parks. Credited with changing hearts and minds, Blackfish is an unforgettable film. Adding impact to this special screening, former Seaworld trainer, Carol Ray will be in attendance to introduce the film.

The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society (SSCS) is an international non-profit, marine wildlife conservation organization. Their mission is to end the destruction of habitat and slaughter of wildlife in the world’s oceans in order to conserve and protect ecosystems and species. Sea Shepherd uses innovative direct-action tactics to investigate, document, and take action when necessary to expose and confront illegal activities on the high seas.

More information and advance ticket purchase is available online. Also, don’t miss Hong Kong Spirit Film Week which kicks off at VIFF Vancity today, March 14.