Counting Orca: Free Online Screenings + Live Panel with the Center for Whale Research (CWR)
- FHFF
- Dec 8, 2025
- 3 min read
Celebrate the legacy of Dr. Ken Balcomb and decades of Southern Resident orca research in these free virtual events.
The Center for Whale Research (CWR) is presenting two free online screenings of the short documentary Counting Orca, each followed by a live Q&A with the filmmakers and members of the CWR research team, including CWR’s Executive Director. These special virtual events offer a rare opportunity to experience the film and hear directly from the people preserving Ken Balcomb’s extraordinary legacy.
Free Registration Required — Choose Your Screening Time:
🎬 December 10 — 18:00 GMT (UK), 10:00 a.m PT
🎬 December 10 — 6:00 p.m. PT (USA)
After each screening, stay online for a live panel conversation with the filmmakers and CWR researchers.
🎟️ These online screenings are free, but registration is required. Click a button below to register for the screening of your choice.
About "Counting Orca"
Counting Orca is a short documentary exploring the life work of Dr. Ken Balcomb, founder of the Center for Whale Research, and his uniquely deep connection to the Southern Resident killer whales of the Pacific Northwest. The film includes never-before-seen interviews and conversations with Ken, providing an intimate look at his work, philosophy, and profound impact.
The film screened at the 2025 Friday Harbor Film Festival Opening Night Gala in conjunction with the festival’s Andrew V. McLaglen Lifetime Achievement Award, presented posthumously to Ken Balcomb for his pioneering research and enduring contributions to the understanding and protection of the Southern Residents.
About Ken Balcomb
Ken Balcomb was a passionate scientist and a pioneering figure in Southern Resident killer whale research. His career began in marine biology and later included service as a U.S. Navy pilot and Oceanographic Specialist, where he frequently heard whale songs through underwater acoustic monitoring.
In 1976, he launched what would become one of the longest-running studies of a wild cetacean population, meticulously documenting each orca through photo-identification and acoustic observations—work that created the only long-term demographic and behavioral dataset for the Southern Resident orcas. His research reshaped public understanding of these whales and provided essential scientific insight for conservation.
In 1985, he founded the Center for Whale Research, which continues his mission. Ken passed away in December 2022, leaving an enduring legacy that transformed how the world understands and protects these whales.
About the Center for Whale Research
Founded in 1985 by Dr. Ken Balcomb, the Center for Whale Research is the leading organization studying and monitoring the Southern Resident killer whales in the Salish Sea.
Since 1976, CWR has:
Conducted annual censuses and regular health assessments of the Southern Resident population.
Built the world’s only nearly 50-year dataset documenting the whales’ births, deaths, behavior, and social dynamics.
Informed governments and the public about the whales’ ecological needs.
Shared their stories globally to inspire stewardship and ecosystem recovery.
Learn more: https://www.whaleresearch.com
How to Watch & Take Action
Watch the Film (Free Online Screenings)
Registration is free but required to receive the watch link.
🎬 December 10 — 18:00 GMT (UK), 10:00 a.m PT
🎬 December 10 — 6:00 p.m. PT (USA)
Support the Center for Whale Research
When claiming your free watch link, you’ll have the option to donate to CWR. Your support directly contributes to whale monitoring, scientific research, and vital conservation initiatives.
Take Action for the Southern Residents
Visit the CWR “Take Action” page for concrete ways to help protect the Southern Resident killer whales: https://www.whaleresearch.com/action
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