Streaming: $5.00
(Watch now on www.greenplanetstream.org)

Synopsis:
On Mothers Day 2002, Valerie Silidker and Tim Gorski set out to uncover the real life story of Lolita, the worlds oldest performing whale. Their journey delivered them from Miami Florida to San Juan Island where she was captured 3 decades ago. The intimate, heart-rending tale unfolded before them as they unearthed many heavily guarded secrets of the multi-billion dollar Marine Theme Park industry. Viewers travel with Gorski and Silidker as they visit Lolitas immediate family in the wild and interview the renowned orca biologist Ken Balcomb who wants her back.

Awards:
New Jersey International Film Festival Best Documentary Award; Newport Beach Film Festival Best Feature Documentary; San Antonio Underground Film Festival 2nd Place in Festival Award; Dionysus Film Festival Honorable Mention Award; Earth Vision 2003 Festival 2nd Place Best Investigative Reporting;

Credits:
Written, Directed, and Edited by Timothy Michael Gorski. Music by David Hughes. Narrated by Valerie Silidker. Featuring Tokitae (aka Lolita), Ric OBarry, Howard Garrett, Ken Balcomb, Russ Rector, Jerry Powers, and John Crowe

Web Url:
www.slavetoentertainment.com

Film Date:
2002

Film Length:
60

Film Review(s):
"A Stirring Wake Up Call" ~James LaVeck Tribe of Heart Productions

The grassroots independent documentary about Miamis biggest performer, Lolita the killer whale on display at the Miami Seaquarium. Through rare interviews and undercover footage viewers are dragged into the dark secrets of the multi-billion-dollar marine theme park industry and the life of Lolita whos been caught in a net of lies for 3 decades.
Arizona Film Fest

LOLITA has opened our eyes and I thank you for it. Anyway we can support this cause, let us know. I have also recommended that LOLITA be one of the 5 works selected for a cablecast screening during the festival so that we can reach a larger audience. Films for social change invigorate us and I commend your team for your dedication. Giulio Scalinger - Festival Director

Documentaries like this dont get made everyday; few people have the guts and talent. The images in "Lolita: Slave to Entertainment" are powerful, the narration is intelligent and insightful, and the overall presentation is of high production value. I was quite surprised to have learned many new things about Orcas in general and Lolita specifically despite having worked on her case for several months. This expose should be an inspiration to all independent and documentary film makers and activists alike. Everyone who has ever been to or is thinking about going to the Miami Seaquarium should see this video! Lolita has a true friend in Tim and Val.
Brian Block Wildlife ecologist & Attorney at Law Nature Conservancy

Having watched Lolita - Slave to Entertainment, I can honestly say that this documentary has an outstanding value as a tool to educate the public to the controversial aspects of dolphin captivity that the billion-dollar dolphin captivity industry has tried to conceal for decades. As a Field Correspondent for The Dolphin Project Inc., I receive numerous requests for information about why we think the capture and confinement of dolphins should be stopped. Our organization has been lacking a tool in the form of an enlightening video to answer some of these questions. With the making of Lolita - Slave to Entertainment, we can finally say we have this much-needed tool, and I will recommend the documentary to anyone who is seeking a better understanding of the plight of captive dolphins and other whales worldwide. The documentarys greatest value is its ability to present the audience with facts and, in doing so, appeal to the viewers common sense as well as compassion. Even the greatest supporter of dolphin captivity simply cannot watch Lolita - Slave to Entertainment and not feel compelled to wonder if these free-ranging, social, intelligent and highly complex marine mammals really belong in captivity.
Helene OBarry Field Correspondent Dolphin Project www.DolphinProject.org

Tim, Our staff watched your film yesterday. We were all moved and extremely impressed with the job you and your team have done. Its a major accomplishment. BRAVO!!!!! It is surely going to touch a lot of lives, and hopefully get Lolita out of that horrible tank, as well as be a potent tool for people opposing marine mammal captivity worldwide. Few people know just how much it takes on every level to complete and release a film that actually produces positive change. To do so is a true gift to the world. Warm wishes,
James LaVeck Tribe of Heart, Ltd. www.tribeofheart.org

This compelling and thorough film provides the reasons and prospects for getting her back home. There is new footage of her capture, interviews with those present at the time, and some great graphics to illustrate the event. Activist Ric OBarry tells her story in depth, Russ Rector dissects the marine park industry, publisher Jerry Powers tells how he tried to convince Seaquarium owner Art Hertz to be a decent person, Whale biologist Ken Balcomb describes some of how it would be done, protesters give their particular insights, and yours truly gives some background on why it would work to bring her home. Valerie Silidker narrates beautifully and some of the best wild orca footage available gives a sense of what Lolita is missing, and what she could have again. I find the film to be a clear, consistent, beautifully produced statement that Lolita can and should be allowed to return home. Ive never seen such a compelling video treatment of her situation. Everything else produced has allowed the Seaquarium to give its side at length and without comment, which only confuses the audience, because the Seaquarium has no truth to present. Slave to Entertainment exemplifies clarity of message and high integrity, while providing engrossing entertainment. The graphics are sometimes heart-wrenching, sometimes hilarious. This film can help Lolita return home, if it is shown widely and supported enthusiastically. There is no question that this film could help bring Lolita her freedom.
Howard Garrett President Orca Network

I have to tell you that your movie was one of the most compelling and heartfelt films that I have ever seen. I have so much respect for your cause and your passion. It truly moved me. I want to help you with your mission by offering my time and skills to help get this tape into the hands of every animal lover on this planet. It is a tragedy that this animal had to spend over 30 years being a slave to entertainment, and it is time for her to go home. I have to tell you this Tim, Lolita will be brought back to her home. It is something I feel deep down in my heart, and I want to help make that happen. Thanks for educating me about Lolita, and thank you for making a truly amazing movie.
Jeffrey Kubarych Founder CEO LOYALSTREAM