Patrick and the Whale
Directed by:
Mark Fletcher
2022
72 minutes
Using stunning underwater footage, Patrick explores the fascinating nature of the sperm whale, attempting to shine a light on its intelligence and complexity, as well as highlighting its current and past relationship with humankind.
SCREENING
Friday, July 12, 2024 at 7:00 PM
Patrick and the Whale Official Trailer
ABOUT THE FILM
WINNER: 2023 FHFF BEST OVERALL IN-THEATRE FEATURE
Patrick Dykstra has dedicated his life to following and diving with whales. He has learned how whales see and hear, how they perceive other creatures in the water, and how they behave at close quarters. This allows him to get closer than anyone else alive.
In Dominica, he had a life-changing encounter with a sperm whale. She seemed curious about him, coming within touching distance, pulsing him with her sonar. Patrick felt that she was genuinely trying to communicate. He returns to Dominica to find this special whale he named “Dolores” so she can help him show us the hidden world of her species. The film follows his personal journey and explores the psychology of a man who has sacrificed everything in his single-minded quest to connect with and understand one of the biggest creatures in the ocean.
Patrick and the Whale
ABOUT THE DIRECTOR
Mark Fletcher
Mark Fletcher, with over 25 years of experience, is a renowned wildlife film editor and writer. Having worked with acclaimed filmmakers and written for David Attenborough, his contributions have won over 50 Emmys. His portfolio includes a wide range of films like Andes, the Dragon’s Back, and Clever Monkeys. He works globally from his cutting room in Wiltshire.
CREDITS
Director
Mark Fletcher
Producers
Wolfgang Knöpfler
Walter Köhler
Executive Producers
Dinah Czezik-Müller
Michael Frenschkowski
Alexander Nanau
James Reed
Composers
Matthew Atticus Berger
H. Scott Salinas
Cinematographers
Cecile Barats (Additional underwater photography)
Romain Barats (Additional underwater photography)
Patrick Dykstra, Underwater Cinematographer
Gail Jenkinson, Underwater Cinematographer
Justin Knöpfler (drone operator)
Rupert Murray, Director of Photography
Abdullatif Nurdin Hussein, Additional Cinematography
Sound Department
Richard Eastick, Sound Recordist
Günther Oberleitner, Foley Editor | Foley Recordist
Michael Plöderl, Re-recording Mixer
Thomas Voglreiter, Foley Artist
Bernhard Zorzi, Sound Designer
Editorial Department
Mark Fletcher, Editor
Lee Niederkofler, Colorist
Ellie Stiles, Assistant Editor
Philip Timm, On-line Editor