Saving Luna, The Story of an Orca
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Luna (1999 – 2006) officially named L98 and also known as Tsuux-iit was an orca. After being separated from his mother as a toddler, he spent five years alone in Nootka Sound, off the west coast of Vancouver Island. His presence in the busy area, which delighted tourists but often brought him into conflict with boaters, led to years of controversy over whether he should be captured and returned to his family. Luna died on March 10, 2006 after he was struck by the propeller of a tugboat. [wiki]
The film, Saving Luna is about more than a friendly Orca. “As Luna got close to people, he became both treasured and feared. To natives he was the spirit of a chief. To boaters he was a goofy friend. To conservationists he was a cause. To scientists he was trouble. To officials he was a danger. As conflict and tragedy stained the waters, Luna became a symbol of the world’s wildest beauty: easy to love, hard to save.”
I’ll have a chance to see the film soon and will offer up a review and specific show times. With over 20 awards ranging from Best Documentary to Audience Favourite from the festival circuit this year, I’m certain it will be almost as captivating as Luna’s legacy.
Update: This will be playing at The Ridge on December 5th. Show times: 4:00, 7:00, 9:00 plus Saturday & Sunday 2:00.
Update: I had the chance to see the film last night and I don’t believe anyone in the audience could have walked away without being affected or touched by this very true story (and no one left with dry eyes either).
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magnolia
November 20th, 2008 at 7:34 am
I followed that story from beginning to end. I wanted to go see Luna but I also didn’t want to end up being a contributing factor to something that just didn’t seem natural. Perhaps I over-thought the whole thing.
Anyhoo, great piece.
Tom
November 20th, 2008 at 9:03 am
Unless you’re planning to make it a Bollwitt Date Night, I’d be really interested in seeing this film, being that I have such an affinity with killer whales.
November 20th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
Keira-anne aren’t you part of the Bollwitt family anyway just go! lol
I really like the painting
November 21st, 2008 at 6:31 pm
That’s a sad story about such a beautiful creature. I love watching Killer whales docus on tv.
December 3rd, 2008 at 6:51 pm
To my knowledge, the 2 people that started this story ended up killing this beautiful animal with the prop on their boat. For what I understand, they were using an unprotected propeller on their engine. Being around a orca that close all the time, they should have used a prop with shield around the edges. I have one.
They were only doing this for their own selfishness and personal gain. Should be charged with a crime ( murder)..
December 3rd, 2008 at 6:53 pm
I will NEVER support this behavior by watching the movie.
DO NOT deserve any awards.
December 3rd, 2008 at 9:07 pm
@ Tigg – I just watched the film and according to recorded transmissions, video footage, and personal stories, the specific “killer” boat in question was a tugboat out of Vancouver, BC.
December 4th, 2008 at 9:12 am
[...] If you have the chance to get out to a movie this weekend, check out Saving Luna at the Ridge. Not only will you be supporting independent movie houses (like The Ridge) you will [...]
December 8th, 2008 at 8:08 pm
Tigg is wrong, wrong, wrong. Luna was killed by the propeller on the tugboat General Jackson.