Gabriela Cowperthwaite is an American filmmaker. She has directed documentaries and feature films, and she also produces, edits, writes, and directs for television and documentary films. Her films often deal with social, cultural, and environmental issues relating to real life events. Her most notable film is Blackfish (2013), which received a BAFTA nomination for Best Documentary.
Cowperthwaite in 2013
Blackfish is a 2013 American documentary film directed by Gabriela Cowperthwaite. It concerns Tilikum, an orca held by SeaWorld and the controversy over captive orcas. The film premiered at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival on January 19, 2013, and was picked up by Magnolia Pictures and CNN Films for wider release. It was nominated for the BAFTA Award for Best Documentary.
Theatrical release poster
Dawn Brancheau at SeaWorld Orlando in 2006.
Director Gabriela Cowperthwaite, Thom Powers, former SeaWorld trainers Samantha Berg, John Hargrove, and John Jett at the Miami International Film Festival presentation of Blackfish at the Regal South Beach on March 3, 2013.
Tilikum at SeaWorld Orlando in 2009.