For more than a decade, Phil Demers worked his dream job as an animal trainer at Marineland, the world-famous amusement park in Niagara Falls. While there, Demers garnered international media attention and an early social media following, thanks to his unique bond with Smooshi the Walrus. But over time his dream job turned into a nightmare; in 2012 he, along with several other co-workers, quit in protest against the organization’s treatment of the animals, citing negligence.

Director Nathalie Bibeau, an acquaintance of Demers, returns to her hometown of Niagara Falls to craft an up-close account of the controversy. She follows Demers and other activists, who have been embroiled in a civic battle with Marineland since quitting years ago. Whether you like him or loathe him, Demers’ dogged pursuit to outlaw the captivity of marine mammals calls attention not only to animal rights, but to the personal and political consequences of whistleblowing in the age of social media. -SC

Winner, Audience Award at Hot Docs 2020

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