Humpback Whales film makes a mighty splash at the Ontario Science Centre on May 15, 2015

TORONTO, May 12, 2015 /CNW/ - Dive head first into a new giant-screen ocean adventure when Humpback Whales opens at the Ontario Science Centre on May 15, 2015. Under the helm of two-time Academy Award^®-nominated director Greg MacGillivray (The Living Sea, Dolphins, Everest), MacGillivray Freeman Films brings their legendary giant-screen storytelling to one of the most enormous and vastly fascinating creatures on earth.  

Narrated by two-time Golden Globe^® nominee Ewan McGregor and presented by Pacific Life, Humpback Whales is an immersive ocean adventure that invites audiences to dive into the mysterious realm of these 17-metre, 45-metric ton aquatic mammals. In a splashing, musical mix of stunning imagery, underwater splendor and scientific exploration, the film explores what life might be like from a humpback's point of view.  Once feared as monsters, and very nearly hunted to extinction, today humpbacks are in the midst of a slow but remarkable recovery.

"Whales are awesome animals," says director, Greg MacGillivray.  "They are critical to the ecological health and survival of the ocean, and since they are among the largest animals to ever live on earth, there is no better subject for audiences to experience life-size on the giant screen." 

Adds executive producer Tennyson Oyler, VP of Brand Management for Pacific Life:  "Humpback whales are at the center of an environmental story that offers great promise.  With the end of commercial whaling, humpbacks are steadily recovering from near extinction.  This film transports audiences into their mysterious world for a close-up look at how truly remarkable these animals really are."

"Audiences will be enthralled by the majestic humpback whales featured in this film and mesmerized by their haunting songs," said Dr. Maurice Bitran, CEO, Ontario Science Centre. "However, we hope visitors will also take away the message of conservation. Although humpback whales are making a slow and steady recovery from possible extinction, humpbacks still face many threats, including ocean debris and noise pollution. It's up to all of us to protect our oceans and the life that depends on them."

Humpback Whales marks the prolific large-format film company's first film focused exclusively on whales, following such giant-screen hits as The Living Sea, Dolphins, Coral Reef Adventure and To The Arctic. The MacGillivray Freeman Films team took it as an occasion to apply all of their cumulative cinematic experience to the telling of one of the most compelling wildlife stories of our time: how humpbacks were brought back from the brink of destruction to set off a new wave of scientific discovery and human fascination with their one-of-a-kind, gargantuan beauty. Humpback Whales is the third film to come out under MacGillivray Freeman's One World One Ocean series, following To The Arctic and Journey to the South Pacific.

Humpback Whales is a family-friendly film and has a run time of 40 minutes. Learn more about the film, visit www.humpbackwhalesfilm.com.   

For information on tickets and show times, please call 416-696-1000 or visit www.ontariosciencecentre.ca.

About Humpback Whales
A MacGillivray Freeman film presented by Pacific Life, Humpback Whales is directed by Greg MacGillivray (The Living Sea, Dolphins, Everest) and produced by Shaun MacGillivray (To The Arctic, Grand Canyon Adventure). Filmed with 15perf / 65mm IMAX^® cameras, Humpback Whales is written by Stephen Judson (Everest, To The Arctic) with a musical score by Steve Wood (Journey to the South Pacific, To The Arctic).  A One World One Ocean production.

About the Ontario Science Centre
The Ontario Science Centre has welcomed more than 49 million visitors since it opened in 1969, implementing an interactive approach adopted by science centres around the world. Today, the Science Centre is a leader in free-choice science learning and a key player in Ontario's innovation ecosystem, offering lifelong learning through hands-on, engaging experiences. It is a prime venue for public dialogue about science, technology and society. The Ontario Science Centre is an agency of the Government of Ontario funded in part by the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. As a publicly assisted organization, the Science Centre relies on generous individuals, corporations and foundations who share a commitment to science and education for additional operating support. For more information about the Ontario Science Centre, please visit www.OntarioScienceCentre.ca.

About MacGillivray Freeman Films
MacGillivray Freeman Films is the world's foremost independent producer and distributor of giant-screen 70mm films with 38 giant-screen films to its credit. Throughout the company's 50-year history, its films have won numerous international awards including two Academy Award^® nominations and three films inducted into the IMAX Hall of Fame. MacGillivray Freeman's films are known for their artistry and celebration of science and the natural world. It is the first documentary film company to reach the one billion dollar benchmark for worldwide box office. www.macgillivrayfreemanfilms.com,  www.oneworldoneocean.com

About Pacific Life
Offering insurance since 1868, Pacific Life provides a wide range of life insurance products, annuities, and mutual funds, and offers a variety of investment products and services to individuals, businesses, and pension plans. Pacific Life counts more than half of the 100 largest U.S. companies as its clients. For additional company information, including current financial strength ratings, visit www.PacificLife.com.  Pacific Life refers to Pacific Life Insurance Company and its affiliates, including Pacific Life & Annuity Company. Client count as of June 2014 is compiled by Pacific Life using the 2014 FORTUNE 500^® list.

For images and video, please visit: www.ontariosciencecentre.ca/Media/ImagesVideo

Social Media Links

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/OntarioScienceCentre 
Twitter: @OntScienceCtr | #HumpbackWhalesFilm
YouTube: www.YouTube.com/user/OntarioScienceCentre

SOURCE Ontario Science Centre

Media contacts: Anna Relyea, Director, Strategic Communications, 416-696-3273 | cell: 416-668-1967, [email protected]; Jefferson Darrell, Media Relations Officer, 416-696-3154, [email protected]; Andrea Mus, Media Relations Officer, 416-696-3191 | cell: 416-895-5482, [email protected]