WHAT WE'RE WATCHING:
Can you say OTTER WATCHER 5X FAST?
For our nationwide followers--OTTER 501 is now open in San Fran, Berkeley and Monterey and will be opening in a slew of cities the 18th, 19th and beyond. Click here for all current Showings.
ChiIL Mama had a chance to run a private Chi-Town screening and OTTER 501 was a huge hit with the kids and adults. Eco-friendly and informative, OTTER 501 moved us to tears. This movie goes beyond the "cute factor" to educate and entertain. Katie is a great protagonist, as a smart, real life, down to earth, girl of action. We're thrilled to see a role model that's not a Hollywood Barbie or Photoshopped, airbrushed cover girl. It was truly a pleasure to have the chance to preview and review this feature film.
One of the greatest gifts parents can give their children is the wonder and appreciation of nature, animals and our earth. People tend to tune out and shut down when problems like global warming, rampant pollution, and extinction seem too big and overwhelming. But the fate of the planet is our fate, and our best chance of surviving and thriving ourselves and making life saving changes for other species, is teaching our kids to care. OTTER 501 is a huge step in the right direction. Gorgeous camera work, a compelling script, science that's not heavy handed, and a cast of wild otters that tug at your heartstrings make this movie a fascinating must see.
Back in the early 90's I worked at Shedd Aquarium and spent my daily lunch hour with the Beluga Whales, Dolphins, playful Sea Otters, and intriguing creatures of the deep. I loved to watch the quirky fish that spit rocks and the puffer fish. Although I was employed as a writer (my little sister's the west coast dweller with the marine biology degree), those aquarium days gave me a lasting love and awe for the diversity of our oceans. We have an obligation to curb the havoc that mankind has wreaked on the earth. Many are in complete denial, despite hard, scientific evidence that our lifestyles are harmful to most other species we share the planet with. Otter 501 is a true gift of a film, which educates without preaching, entertains and enlightens.
As a social media writer/influencer, I was also happy to see that Facebook plays an active, on screen role in this film. The internet is a powerful tool for education, information and change. We've already been promoting this film over on ChiIL Mama's Facebook page and twitter feed for months. We will be keeping our readers up to date as the Otter 501 fame spreads and new showings are added. You can also track them through the usual channels on Facebook, Twitter and the main Otter 501 Website for more fab footage, furry cuteness, and scientific process. If Otter 501 is playing near you, we highly recommend checking it out on the big screen. If not, shoot them a FB post or an e-mail asking for a showing in your home town. You can still follow along via social media and check out their YouTube channel. Highly recommended!
*Disclaimer: We were sent a press preview copy of the Otter 501 film and a bag of microwave popcorn :). All opinions are our own.
