The fascinating anguish of an endangered killer whale that carried its dead calf for 17 days and more than 1,500 kilometers in British Columbia waters in July 2018 captured the world’s attention.
The protracted duel of the mother orca, J35, also known as Tahlequah, illustrated the southern resident killer whales in danger of extinction that they are at a dangerous tipping point, and further catalyzed two young filmmakers to explore what is necessary. to save the iconic killer whales, which frequent the Salish Sea. along the coast of the United States and Canada.
The documentary, Coextinction, was conceived with that one question in mind, said co-directors Gloria Pancrazi and Elena Jean, who spoke with National Observer of Canada Tuesday from Savage jackson United States film festival, where his film is nominated for an award and will open on Wednesday.
But unraveling the question took the two young conservationists on an extensive journey from the northern tip of Vancouver Island to Oregon’s lower Snake River, where the filmmakers engaged with indigenous scientists, activists and leaders to better understand the threats and solutions. for the remaining southern resident killer whales. – of which only 73 still exist in nature.
The documentary demonstrates the interconnectedness of the plight of southern residents with pressing environmental threats, Pancrazi said, adding that bold action is needed to save the orcas so integral to the Pacific coast and tied to the people who live there. .
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“I really believe that this movie can help bring about change,” said Pancrazi.
“It is not just about telling the story of the killer whales, but about looking at the big picture and the intersectionality of the problems.
“There are so many reasons why we need to make sure they stay in this world,” said Gloria Pancrazi, co-director of the documentary Coextinction, which explores how to save the southern resident killer whales in danger of extinction @VIFFest
“I think that’s what will save them. And not only them, but also us. ”
Residents of the south, who depend on endangered Chinook salmon for 80 percent of their diet, are a metaphor for the collapse of biodiverse ecosystems around the world, Jean said.
“They represent so much beauty on the coast and beyond, and they are such a powerful and moving message that we truly believe … the world needs to hear and feel today.”
Coextinction, which will premiere in Canada at the Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) on October 3, shows how the danger of killer whales is linked to the collapse of wild salmon populations and the injustice against indigenous peoples who have been displaced as environmental stewards, and how all three are threatened by society’s dependence on fossil fuels, hydropower and fish farming.
The film examines the fallout effects of the way colonial society constructs and interacts with the natural world, while the original caretakers of land and waters must fight systems that continue to suppress their rights, the filmmakers noted.
There is a strong indigenous ally message in the film, Jean said, adding that relying on indigenous guidance to solve ecological problems is key.
“The film shows specific examples of systemic indigenous repression,” he said.
“How the industry has come in and done what it wanted to some extent on the coast, and (how) that has oppressed both people and the planet.”
The directors are excited about the VIFF screening of the film, as much of the film focuses on the British Columbia coastline and the preservation of killer whales is very important to coastal residents. But the issue will resonate with any community or nation struggling with the implications of climate change or threatened wildlife, they said.
“It’s a West Coast driven story, but it’s a story that is being played in all parts of the world,” Jean said.
There is still time to act to save the resident killer whales, Pancrazi said, adding the recent loss of an important matriarch it is somewhat tempered by the good news that three of the endangered killer whales may be pregnant.
But the survival rate for orca calves in their first year is still around 50 percent, he said, and the population is still threatened by environmental pressures created by humans.
“It is a very stark reminder that we must act,” said Pancrazi.
“These killer whales are culturally different from other populations, and they are so amazing, smart and interesting.”
Humans can learn a lot from whales in terms of cooperation and mutual care, he added.
“There are so many reasons why we must make sure they stay in this world.”
Rochelle Baker / Local Journalism Initiative / Canada National Observer
Reference-www.nationalobserver.com