top of page

Join Us July 16th for a Special Evening: "Orcas Wild & Free"

  • Writer: FHFF
    FHFF
  • Jun 21
  • 3 min read

Updated: Jul 5

The Friday Harbor Film Festival (FHFF) invites you to a powerful evening dedicated to the Southern Resident orcas, their conservation, and the urgent movement to end cetacean captivity. Join us on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at 7 PM at the San Juan Community Theatre in Friday Harbor, WA, for this special event, Orcas Wild & Free.


Poster for the documentary film Resident Orca. The background shows orcas swimming underwater in a deep blue ocean. At the center, bold white text reads “RESIDENT ORCA.” Above the title are several laurels indicating official film festival selections. On the left, the quote “STUNNING” is attributed to MovieMaker Magazine, and on the right, the quote “RIVETING” is credited to Overly Honest Reviews. Beneath the title, the film is credited to directors Sarah Sharkey Pearce and Simon Schneider, with executive producers Squil-le-he-le Raynell Morris and Tah-Mahs Ellie Kinley.

This event brings together film, immersive experience, and expert insights to spotlight the heartbreaking story of Tokitae (Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut), a Southern Resident killer whale who spent her life in captivity at the Miami Seaquarium from her capture in 1970 until her death in August 2023.


The Film: Resident Orca – One Whale’s Fight for Freedom

Resident Orca, directed by Sarah Sharkey Pearce and Simon Schneider, chronicles the decades-long struggle to free Tokitae from North America’s smallest killer whale tank. Captured over 50 years ago from the waters of the Pacific Northwest and sold to the Miami Seaquarium, Tokitae's story embodies profound resilience and courage, capturing hearts and catalyzing change worldwide.


This captivating documentary unveils the extraordinary alliance forged among Indigenous leaders, a billionaire philanthropist, and dedicated marine biologists, united by their mission to return Tokitae to her ancestral home. The film poignantly reflects the urgent message of compassion, advocacy, and action needed to protect marine wildlife and restore ecological balance.


Expert Panel Q&A: Engaging, Insightful, Inspiring

Immediately following the film, attendees will participate in a compelling panel discussion featuring:

ree

  • Simon Schneider, Director and Cinematographer of Resident Orca.

  • Squil-le-he-le (Raynell Morris) , Lummi Nation matriarch, key figure in the campaign to return Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut (Tokitae) to her home waters, and Executive Producer of the film.

  • Dr. Deborah Giles, prominent whale conservation biologist, leading expert on Southern Resident orcas.

  • Dr. Michael Weiss, Research Director for the Center for Whale Research, specializing in the behavior and conservation of killer whales.


This Q&A session promises deep insight and lively discussion about conservation efforts, cetacean captivity, and the future of Southern Resident killer whales.


Event Details at a Glance:

  • Event: Orcas Wild and Free

  • Date & Time: Wednesday, July 16, 2025, 7:00 PM

  • Location: San Juan Community Theatre, Friday Harbor, WA

  • Cost: $15

  • Reserved Seating: Presale tickets include reserved seating selection in the Whittier Theatre at the San Juan Community Theatre.


The Orcas Wild and Free event is presented by the Friday Harbor Film Festival as part of its commitment to bringing transformative storytelling to our community, enriching audiences, and fostering impactful conversations.


Come experience an unforgettable evening of film and conversation designed to inspire meaningful action for these majestic creatures who call our shared Salish Sea home.

CLICK "PURCHASE TICKETS" below to reserve your seat and purchase online, or come by the FHFF Office at 10 First St. N from 1PM - 4PM July 14, 15 or 16 to purchase in-person.




3D Mixed Reality Experience: Step Inside Tokitae’s Reality

ree

In collaboration with the film screening and panel, experience Tokitae's Reality, a impactful 3D mixed reality installation available for free guided viewing July 15–17 at various locations on San Juan Island, and July 19–20 on Orcas Island. Locations on both islands to be announced.


Originally created by immersive media artist Mark Kyle in 2022 to inspire public support for Tokitae’s release, this immersive experience offers a haunting glimpse into the stark conditions of her captivity. Deeply emotional and visually innovative, Tokitae’s Reality challenges viewers to reflect on the ethics of marine mammal captivity and the urgent need to protect these sentient beings in the wild.



Mark Your Calendars and Spread the Word!

We encourage our community partners, environmental groups, educational institutions, and all wildlife advocates to help amplify this important message. Share this event, invite friends, and join us in advocating for an end to cetacean captivity and a thriving future for the endangered Southern Resident orcas.

Comments

bottom of page