PRESS RELEASE

New England Aquarium to host U.S. premiere of documentary Last of the Right Whales

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Screening and panel discussion set for February 16 in Simons Theatre

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**FOR MEDIA: Advance interviews with the film’s director, Nadine Pequeneza, are being scheduled for Tuesday, January 18, on a first come, first served basis. Please contact Pam Snyder to schedule: psnyder@neaq.org. A screener is available upon request. Press kit available here.

WHAT:  The New England Aquarium Lecture Series presents the U.S. premiere of Last of the Right Whales, a documentary by award-winning filmmaker Nadine Pequeneza. This film examines the plight of the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale and documents the extraordinary efforts of a group of allies, including a wildlife photographer, a marine biologist, a whale rescuer, and a crab fisher, to better understand and save these majestic animals. Last of the Right Whales is the story of the rapid decline of a nearly 12-million-year-old species from human intervention in the form of lost feeding grounds owing to climate change and grievous injuries caused by fishing line entanglements and vessel strikes. Through extraordinary cinematography, including the first-ever underwater footage of North Atlantic right whales, comes a story of hope and a call to action we cannot ignore. The film has already been awarded the “Best Canadian Feature” at the 2021 Planet in Focus International Environmental Film Festival.

A panel discussion follows this in-person event in the Simons Theatre. This Aquarium Lecture Series event is free to the public and presented in partnership with HitPlay Productions, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), and the Lowell Institute.

WHEN:  Wednesday, February 16, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

WHERE: Simons Theatre at the New England Aquarium—1 Central Wharf, Boston, MA. Registration will open soon. More information can be found here.

WHO: Panelists for the discussion following the screening include:

  • Nadine Pequeneza, producer and director, Last of the Right Whales
  • Patrick Ramage, senior director, outreach and program collaboration, IFAW
  • Heather Pettis, research scientist, Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life, New England Aquarium
  • Marc Palombo, lobsterman

FOLLOW ON SOCIAL:

MEDIA CONTACT:  Pam Bechtold Snyder, 617-686-5068; psnyder@neaq.org

ABOUT THE NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM

The New England Aquarium is a global leader in marine science and conservation, working to safeguard ocean animals and habitats. With more than 1.3 million visitors a year, the Aquarium is one of the premier visitor attractions in Boston and a major public education resource for the region. The Aquarium’s research and rescue efforts build on the institution’s 50-year legacy of protecting the blue planet and advocating for vital and vibrant oceans. In the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life, scientists conduct applied marine research that informs ocean management, policy, and industry practices, and contributes to the innovation of new technologies. Through its Sea Turtle Rescue Program, the Aquarium helps protect critically endangered and threatened sea turtle populations through rescue, rehabilitation, and release efforts.

ABOUT HITPLAY PRODUCTIONS

HitPlay Productions produces critically acclaimed, award-winning feature documentaries and limited series. Its films have been shot around the world and range in subject matter from disaster response to justice reform, impact investing, and wildlife conservation.

ABOUT IFAW

The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) is a global non-profit helping animals and people thrive together. We are experts and everyday people, working across seas, the global ocean and in more than 40 countries worldwide. We rescue, rehabilitate, and release animals, and we restore and protect their natural habitats. The problems we’re up against are urgent and complicated. To solve them, we match fresh thinking with bold action. See how at ifaw.org.

ABOUT THE LOWELL INSTITUTE

Founded in 1836 with a mission to inform the populace regardless of gender, race, or economic status, the Lowell Institute has reached thousands of Boston-area residents by sponsoring free public lectures and other educational programs.