SAVING LUNA
Dir. Suzanne Chisholm, Michael Parfit | Canada | 2007 | 92 min.| Documentary
Mike Parfit, the co-director and narrator of SAVING LUNA will be present for a Q & A at all three opening screenings on Dec. 19, 20, 21
The true story of a lone orca, nicknamed Luna, who was separated from his pod in 2001 while only a calf. On the West Coast of Vancouver Island, over 200 miles from his family, this young killer whale ends up lost in Nootka Sound.
Orcas normally spend their entire lives in family groups, but Luna is alone. Friendship is what this intelligent and playful orca is after, as he makes contact with humans.
Suddenly, the mythical experience that humans dream about--of becoming acquainted with a wild being, actually happens in this beautiful remote fjord. Humans do not know how to react. The government and scientists tell people to stay away; soon after, making it illegal to even look at Luna.
As this one little orca becomes an international news story, people debate how best to save him. To the First Nations, he is the spirit of a chief; to boaters, an amusing companion; to fishermen, a nuisance; to conservationists, a cause; to scientists, trouble; to government officials, danger; and to co-directors Suzanne Chisholm and Michael Parfit, Luna is a lovable street kid whale who needs help and changes their lives.
Compassionate and enchanting, Saving Luna tells the journey of a wild beauty lost in a sea of human reasoning. As Luna touches the heart, we are reminded that any being, however small or large, is easy to love and hard to save.
(Vancouver International Film Festival)
" Riveting... stunning." - Seattle Times
"Astonishing footage ... Mesmerizing ... Poignant." - Santa Barbara Independent
" An astonishing documentary." - Victoria Times Colonist
"A one-of-a-kind true story." -Santa Barbara International Film Festival
"Compelling ... Thought-provoking." - San Francisco Chronicle
"Compassionate and enchanting." - Vancouver International Film Festival
Watch the Trailer