Friday, September 15----A late, but welcome, addition to the film schedule of the Martha's Vineyard International Film Festival, is a fascinating look at the life and work of whale biologist Dr. Roger Payne. The film, A LIFE AMONG WHALES, features breathtaking underwater photography along with its ecological message of environmental activism.

Dr. Payne, a MacArthur Fellowship winner and one of the leading oceanographic researchers in the field, has advanced the boundaries of science and activism – 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 forces us to question our stewardship of the Earth and our coexistence with some of its most intriguing creatures.

The hour-long film, directed by Bill Haney, has won numerous awards, including the Earthwatch Film Award, the Marine Conservation Award at the International Wildlife Film Festival, Best Conservation Film at the MountainFilm Festival and a Best Cinematography Prize at the United Nations Film Festival. The film has been an audience favorite at some of the leading nature and environmental festivals around the country.

Director Bill Haney will be present at the screening on Saturday evening, 9:30pm at the Unitarian Church on Main Street in Vineyard Haven.

Sandy Mandelberger
Festivals Editor