SPECIAL GUEST - Michael Moore, Head of the Marine Mammal Center at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute for Q&A afterwards.
Critics' Pick - New York Times and Washington Post
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"A gossamer lyricism... quiet dignity and gorgeous images."
- The New York Times
"Visually stunning and emotionally wrought."
- Washington Post
Find out what's happening in Martha's Vineyardfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"Serious-minded, thought-provoking."
- The Hollywood Reporter
"A gorgeous and provocative film."
- The Seattle Times
"Thoughtful and moving."
- Los Angeles Times
Wonderful Family Film!
THE WHALE tells the true story of a young, wild killer whale - an orca - nicknamed Luna, who lost contact with his family on the coast of British Columbia and turned up alone in a narrow stretch of sea between mountains, a place called Nootka Sound.
Orcas are social. They live with their families all their lives. An orca who gets separated usually just fades away and dies.
Luna was alone, but he didn’t fade away. There weren’t any familiar orcas in Nootka Sound, but there were people, in boats and on the shore. So he started trying to make contact. And people welcomed him. Most of them.
This contact did not turn out to be simple. It was as if we humans weren’t ready for him.
THE WHALE celebrates the life of a smart, friendly, determined, transcendent being from the other world of the sea who appeared among us like a promise out of the blue: that the greatest secrets in life are still to be discovered.
Canada * 2011 * 93 minutes * Documentary * Rated G