Skip to main content

Deep Dive: Blackfish (2013)

Play Trailer

Film Lens

Blackfish
Blackfish is a documentary directed by Gabriela Cowperthwaite that focuses on Tilikum, an orca held by SeaWorld, and the issues surrounding the captivity of orcas. The film covers Tilikum's capture in 1983 off the coast of Iceland and his experiences at Sealand of the Pacific, where he faced harassment from other captive orcas. Cowperthwaite argues that these experiences contributed to Tilikum's later aggression, including his involvement in the deaths of three people. The film critiques SeaWorld's claims regarding the lifespans of captive orcas, asserting that they are not comparable to those in the wild. It features testimonials from former SeaWorld trainers, such as John Hargrove, who share their experiences with Tilikum and other orcas. The documentary includes footage of Tilikum's attacks and discusses the stress experienced by wild-caught orcas, emphasizing the negative consequences of captivity.

Why Watch

  • •See Tilikum's story and its impact on trainers.
  • •Find out why SeaWorld's claims about orca lifespans are disputed.
  • •Meet former trainers sharing their experiences with captive orcas.

Did You Know

•Tilikum was captured in 1983 off the coast of Iceland.
•The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 19, 2013.
•Blackfish was nominated for the BAFTA Award for Best Documentary.
•Tilikum was involved in the deaths of three people.

Perfect For

Animal rights activistsMarine biology enthusiastsSeaWorld visitors