Cieszko+The+Cove

1) The Cove (2009), Louie Psihoyos The focus of this film is on the overfishing, slaughter, and all around disgusting practices that are taking place in Japan. Ric O’Barry, a former actor in Flipper, takes us through a narrative adventure in a small town in Japan where this horrific slaughtering of dolphins is taking place. 3) **What sustainability problems does the film draw out? ** The demand for seafood, entertainment, and corruption are all problems that are drawn out in the film. Although people are not necessarily demanding Dolphin, the demand for other seafood combined with overfishing and a lack of that resource, Dolphin is being sold as other types of fish. This creates a completely unnecessary slaughter of the dolphin.
 * 2) What is the central argument or narrative of the film? **

The most compelling part of the film was the footage caught from the hidden cameras that depicted the graphic and ruthless slaughtering of the dolphin. It brought all the data, evidence, and stories together and really solidified the movie. Although a strong documentary without the footage, I believe the footage really helped to show how bad it actually is.
 * 4) What parts of the film did you find most persuasive and compelling? Why? **

I was not compelled by the meetings between countries addressing these issues. All the evidence and data was there, right in front of everyone, and it seemed not to faze anybody. If that cannot convince people, what can?
 * 5) What parts of the film were you not compelled or convinced by? Why? **

This film addresses any and all audiences. It contains such a broad connection to the viewers that any level of age or awareness can relate. When I first saw it, I was completely unaware to this, or similar, issues. However it was one of the most impactful documentaries I’ve ever seen.
 * 6) What audiences does the film best address? Why? **


 * 7) What could have been added to this film to enhance its environmental educational value? **
 * I don’t think much could have been added to this film. It was extremely compelling and educational in terms of the issue it addressed. **

The film did not suggest any corrective actions or points of intervention, however it did create an awareness that will probably help. I can imagine that the fact that this documentary was made is in itself an effective strategy. Having won countless awards, I believe that will help spread the knowledge about it.
 * 8) What kinds of action and points of intervention are suggested by the film? If the film itself does **
 * not suggest corrective action, describe actions that you can imagine being effective. **

9) **What additional information has this film compelled you to seek out? (Provide at least two supporting references.) ** I was compelled to seek out more information on greenpeace and how they are helping. I also looked up a way that I could help and discovered that by joining the facebook group for “The Cove,” I was helping them gain support and money. [] [|http://www.facebook.com/#!/TheCove]