Story Movements

Following the 2013 Sundance premiere of Blackfish, public criticism and activism surrounding SeaWorld’s treatment of orcas led to significant changes, including the company's decision to end its orca shows in 2016. As a social-issue documentary, Blackfish exemplifies how thoughtful, investigative storytelling can influence public discourse, shape media agendas, and mobilize communities. In Story Movements, producer and scholar Caty Borum Chattoo examines how documentaries challenge dominant cultural narratives and foster social critique in a rapidly evolving media landscape.