Watch A Fall From Freedom

A Fall From Freedom is a documentary feature film that explores the plight of orcas in captivity, specifically those held in marine theme parks such as SeaWorld. The film aims to shed light on the dark side of the multi-billion dollar marine mammal entertainment industry, and the devastating impact it has on the animals themselves. The film features a range of experts and advocates, as well as former trainers and owners of marine parks, who provide insight and personal stories of their experiences with these intelligent and social creatures. Among them are Brad Andrews, a former SeaWorld trainer and founder of the Marine Mammal Conservancy; Ken Balcomb, founder of the Center for Whale Research, who has been studying orcas in the wild for over 30 years; and Hardy Jones, a filmmaker, activist, and founder of BlueVoice.org.

A Fall From Freedom takes viewers on a journey through the history of orcas in captivity, from the first capture in 1961 of a wild orca named Moby Doll in Canada, to the rise of marine theme parks in the 1960s and 70s, to the present day controversies surrounding the captivity of orcas and other marine mammals. The film highlights the many issues associated with keeping orcas in tanks and performing tricks for entertainment, including the physical and psychological toll it takes on the animals.

Through interviews with former trainers and owners, the film reveals the reality of life for captive orcas, including the cramped and unnatural living conditions, the separation of families, and the use of food deprivation as a training tool. The film also explores the dangers that orcas can pose to their trainers and the public, as illustrated by the tragic death of SeaWorld trainer Dawn Brancheau in 2010.

One of the key themes of A Fall From Freedom is the intelligence and social complexity of orcas, which are among the most intelligent species on the planet. The film demonstrates how captivity can have a devastating impact on these animals, leading to stress, illness, and even premature death. The filmmakers also provide a stark contrast between the lives of captive orcas and those living in the wild, showcasing the beauty and majesty of these creatures in their natural habitat.

Despite the bleak picture painted by A Fall From Freedom, the film also offers hope for the future. Through the voices of activists and experts, the film shows how awareness and public pressure can lead to change. The documentary highlights the success of campaigns against orca captivity, such as the release of Keiko, the star of the film Free Willy, and the retirement of Tilikum, the orca responsible for the death of Dawn Brancheau.

Overall, A Fall From Freedom is a powerful and thought-provoking film that provides a sobering look at the realities of orca captivity. By shining a light on the dark side of the marine theme park industry, the film seeks to inspire change and promote a greater understanding and respect for these magnificent creatures.