The West & Rhode Riverkeeper presents Blackfish, the documentary that changed the way the world views killer whale captivity and forced SeaWorld to scramble to save its business. A screening at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts in Annapolis on Wednesday, January 27, 2016, from 7 – 9 p.m., will be followed by a discussion with Tim Zimmermann, one of the film’s writer/producers.

A mesmerizing psychological thriller with a killer whale at its center, Blackfish tells the story of Tilikum, a performing killer whale that killed several people while in captivity. Along the way, it compiles shocking footage and emotional interviews to explore the creature’s extraordinary nature, the species’ cruel treatment in captivity, the lives and losses of the trainers and the pressures brought to bear by the multi-billion dollar sea-park industry.

Tim Zimmermann is an award-winning correspondent with Outside Magazine and author of The Race. Zimmermann’s writing focuses on humanity’s relationship with the natural world, and he has reported on everything from extreme cave diving to efforts to communicate with dolphins. In 2010 and 2011, he wrote The Killer in the Pool, a deep investigation into the death of SeaWorld trainer Dawn Brancheau, and Blood in the Water, a follow-up report which deconstructed another fatal attack by a SeaWorld orca. Those two stories became the basis for Blackfish, which Zimmermann helped write and produce.

After the screening, Zimmermann will talk about what happened after Blackfish was screened in theaters and on CNN, and explain how Blackfish ignited a grassroots protest movement that has impacted SeaWorld's attendance and profits, and forced the theme park giant to reconsider the future of its iconic Shamu Show. 

Zimmermann is also a member of the Board of Directors of the West & Rhode Riverkeeper. Proceeds from the screening will help the Riverkeeper in efforts to make the West and Rhode Rivers fishable, swimmable, crab-able and kayak-able. Admission is $15. There will be a cash bar for wine and beer.

Click here for reservations,  or call 410-867-7171.