On the isolated North Atlantic archipelago of the Faroe Islands, the longtime practice of the Faroes are threatened by dangerously high mercury levels in the whales, decimated seabird populations, and anti-whaling activists.
In their remote home, the islanders have always accepted what nature could provide and been proud to put local food on the table. Because their soil yields little bounty, the Faroese harvest their seas. As a result, the islanders are among the first to feel the impact of our ever more polluted oceans. Contaminated by the outside world, the whales they capture are toxic. What once ensured their survival now endangers their children, and the Faroese must make a choice between health and tradition.
The Faroe Islanders consider themselves a canary in the coal mine, their tale a warning to the rest of the world. ” The Islands and the Whales shows the unique Faroese community wrangling with the environmental problems we face,” says filmmaker Mike Day. “I hope the film gives us a chance to take stock of how we interact with the natural world and encourages us not to ignore the clear signs of the damage we are causing. There is a chance to act now before it’s too late. If we don’t, like the Faroese, we all risk putting contaminated food on the table.”
Watch the official trailer:
Movie screenings begin promptly at 7 PM, and doors will close shortly thereafter to protect the integrity of the Museum space. This is a free event and discussion afterwards is greatly encouraged.
This event is in collaboration with POV, PBS’ award-winning nonfiction film series. Learn more at: http://www.pbs.org/pov/.
Presented as part of the monthly Environmental Film Series in partnership with the Havre de Grace Green Team.
