The Power of the Cinema

Backstory

Orca Whale, Tilikum aka 'Blackfish'

'Blackfish' is a documentary that debuted at the Sundance Film Festival in 2013 and detailed, in stark terms, the dark-side of the goings-on at Sea World.  It is an expose on how the animals at Sea World are treated (or better put, mistreated).

The film features interviews of former Sea World employees and graphically displays the treatment of the animals and centers on a captive orca whale, called Tilikum - who eventually killed three people at Sea World resulting in a account of how Tilikum was treated in captivity.

Impact of 'Blackfish'

If you watch any television, you have probably noticed a lot of ads for Sea World as of late.  The ads put on a 'happy face' and explain  how well-treated their captive animals are and how happy they must be. There is good reason for the ads, as Sea World Entertainment, Inc. published its latest financial data and it's grim. For the first six months of this year its profits are down 84% with attendance off by over 100,000 visitors!  

The performance shortfalls can be directly linked to the viewing of 'Blackfish' and its impact on Sea World and other aquatic parks. In fact, several new laws are being written that would outlaw the captivity and public display of orca whales and credits 'Blackfish' as a main source for the legislation.  However, at the rate things are going, public opinion is way ahead of the law. Changing attitudes are working faster in closing down Sea World for good and the releasing of all its captive animals.

'Blackfish' is solid proof of the immense impact a movie (one movie) can have on society and be used as a catalyst for change.  Three cheers for the creator and director of 'Blackfish'
Garbriela Cowperthwaite,