OrcaThe film “Blackfish” challenges viewers to consider their relationship to nature and to orcas, our highly-intelligent fellow mammals.

Film documents cruel treatment of captive orcas

A film about the treatment of performing orcas—and how one sought revenge—is the inaugural screening in the Environmental Wednesdays documentary series, debuting tomorrow at 1 p.m. in the International Student Centre on the second floor of Laurier Hall.

The 2013 film Blackfish tells the story of Tilikum, a performing orca that killed several people while in captivity. Director-producer Gabriela Cowperthwaite compiles shocking footage and emotional interviews to explore the creature’s extraordinary nature, the species’ cruel treatment in captivity, the lives and losses of the trainers and the pressures brought to bear by the multi-billion dollar sea-park industry.

The screenings, sponsored by the centre and UWindsor Green, are free and open to the public.