THE WALRUS AND THE WHISTLEBLOWER

THE WALRUS AND THE WHISTLEBLOWER

Winner's Circle
Spotlight on Canada
89 min

Phil Demers, an eccentric free spirit, becomes an unexpectedly popular trainer at Niagara Falls’ Marineland after forming a bond with the park’s first walrus, Smooshi. For the next decade Demers cares for Smooshi and other animals in increasingly decrepit conditions. After he quits as a result of these concerns—and is accused of plotting to steal a walrus—Demers takes to social media and the courts, waging war to save Smooshi. Unconventional and heart-wrenching, Nathalie Bibeau’s film follows Demers on his crusade for justice.(Courtesy of Gravitas Ventures)

Winner: Audience Award, Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival

Watch an exclusive pre-recorded Q&A with Director Nathalie Bibeau.

DOC NYC Live event: Friday, Nov. 13 at 1 ET on Facebook Live– Phil Demers, the Marineland whistleblower of the title, is joined by another water park whistleblower, Jeff Ventre (Blackfish), to discuss their actions with filmmaker Nathalie Bibeau.

Director: Nathalie Bibeau, Nathalie Bibeau
Producer: Frederic Bohbot, Nathalie Bibeau, Frederic Bohbot, Nathalie Bibeau
Writer: Nathalie Bibeau, Nathalie Bibeau
Cinematographer: Christian Bielz, Christian Bielz
Editor: Vincent Guignard, Vincent Guignard
Music: Anaïs Larocque, Raphaël Reed, Anaïs Larocque, Raphaël Reed
Language: English, English
Country: Canada, Canada
Year: 2020
US Distributor: Gravitas Ventures
Activism
Animals & Nature
Environment
International
Law & Justice
Other
Women Directors

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