Weaving together natural history and biography, this award-winning film is a fascinating exploration into the unique relationship between humans and whales as told by renowned whale biologist and activist Dr. Roger Payne. A charismatic and passionate individual, Payne has advanced the boundaries of science and activism over the last four decades — beginning with his pioneering work on whale songs in the 1970s, to his study of ocean pollution today. With beautiful and haunting imagery, the film follows one scientist's dedication to saving the whales, and forces us to question our stewardship of the Earth and our co-existence with some of its most intriguing creatures.

A LIFE AMONG WHALES traces Payne's scientific research beginning with his early work in Patagonia, where for two years, he and his wife and four young children lived in tents on a remote bay so that they could have unhindered access for the study of Southern Right Whales. It explores Payne's tireless and passionate fight to ban whaling — a ban which today, 20 years after an international moratorium was imposed is now threatened — and follows him to his present day study of ocean pollution and his work with The Ocean Alliance, a non-profit organization and global leader in whale research and conservation which he founded.

2005, 57 minutes. Film discussion to follow.

"This is a splendid film. It both soothes and shocks, as it introduces the viewer to the world's largest mammal and to the senseless carnage of whale hunting. Its message though is one of hope. Hope that there is still time to give back the ocean to this majestic creature. But we must begin now."
— Henry Lee, Director, Environment and Natural Resources Program, Harvard University

"This is a beautiful film and a devastating film. It captures in words and images the majesty of the world's whales while chronicling the life and work of biologist Dr. Roger Payne. It is a cause for hope, as it shows how Payne's work in the 1960s and 1970s led to greater public awareness of the plight of whales and, eventually, an international moratorium on whaling in the 1980s. But the film is also a cause for concern and a call to action, revealing that the international consensus against whaling is beginning to unravel. All told, it's a thoughtful, humbling, and full-hearted film that makes it clear the destiny of whale populations must matter to us all."
— Jury Citation, Vermont International Film Festival