Called “Whale Dreamers” and financed by Lennon, this 86-minute, international award-winning and visually stunning film looks at the little-understood tribal culture of whales in the context of similar social connections in some equally unfamiliar human tribal cultures. It explores the connections between the whales and ancient civilizations whose cultures and very existences were tied in with whales.
The film hinges on a 1998 gathering of tribal leaders from around the world at Whale Rock in Australia. The leaders met to share traditions, spirituality, stories and nature over seven days.
 Photo courtesy The Visionary Edge Julian Lennon, son of late rock musician John Lennon and producer of the film 'Whale Dreamers' to be screened Saturday in Half Moon Bay, receives a feather from a tribal elder. |
Each of the cultural leaders had stories. Many revolved around environmental and economic threats that marginalized their cultures. The cultures identified with another similarly endangered species — whales — to which they felt a spiritual affiliation.
The film intertwines underwater footage with ancient, anthropological and cultural legend, optimism and spiritual strength, and interweaves ideas as to the future of human civilization.
It takes place at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, at the train depot below the Johnston House at 110 Higgins Purisima Road in Half Moon Bay. Admission is $10 in advance and $15 at the door. For information, contact The Visionary Edge at 560-0200.
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