Louie Psihoyos’ Oscar nominated dolphin-documentary “The Cove” has been picked up by a Japanese distributor and is now set for release in the country despite the controversy it has already stirred up.
Fishermen in the town of Taiji, Japan — who are the subject of the documentary — took legal action against its potential screening at the Tokyo Film Festival last year, however, their efforts were to no avail. The film was eventually a hit; selling out within hours and forcing a second screening to be organized.
The film centers on an elite team of adrenalin junkies, filmmakers and free divers led by renowned dolphin trainer Ric O’Barry as they embark on a covert mission to expose the international dolphin capturing trade in the town of Taiji, Japan. only to uncover more they bargained for. It’s truly an evocative, thought-provoking piece of work that is without a doubt the frontrunner to take home an Academy Award for Best Documentary.
Distributors in Japan have thus been hesitant in picking up the film but Medallion Media have now taken the brave step in acquiring the rights for the film with Norio Okahara, director of the company saying, “we are not taking sides. Rather, we are presenting the film for the Japanese to decide for themselves about the issues it raises.”
“The Cove” is due to hit Japanese theaters this April.