Watch Born to Be Free

Born to Be Free is a captivating documentary film that takes us on a journey to discover the harsh realities that captive beluga whales face in the world's largest beluga whale sanctuary, located in Russia. Directed by Swiss filmmaker, Gayane Petrosyan, Born to Be Free was released in 2016 and received critical acclaim for its unique exploration of these magnificent creatures.

The film introduces us to a team of biologists, environmentalists, and animal rights activists, who are dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating captive beluga whales for release into the wild. The main protagonist of the film is Manos Krystalis, an expert in cetacean acoustics, who has devoted much of his life to studying and understanding the complex communication patterns of these highly intelligent animals.

Krystalis takes us on an emotional journey as he guides us through the stories of various beluga whales that have been rescued from captivity and brought to the sanctuary for rehabilitation. Through his observations, we discover the heartbreaking truth about the conditions that these animals have been subjected to in captivity.

The film is beautifully shot and utilizes stunning underwater footage to give us a glimpse into the world of these majestic creatures. We are introduced to the beluga whales as individuals, each with their unique personalities and dispositions. It is through this intimate portrait that we begin to understand the true nature of these creatures, and how devastating it is to keep them in captivity.

Born to Be Free is not just a story of suffering and captivity but a message of hope and renewal. We see how the dedicated conservationists work tirelessly to rehabilitate the beluga whales, providing them with the necessary support to be reintroduced into the wild. The film emphasizes the importance of conservation efforts and the need to protect these animals' natural habitats.

The film's climax is a poignant one as we witness the release of two beluga whales back into the wild. The scene is a long-awaited culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice. It is here that the true message of the film is revealed, that these creatures are not ours to use for our entertainment, but belong in the wild where they can thrive and live their lives as nature intended.

Born to Be Free is a powerful reminder of how our actions affect the world around us. It is a wake-up call for all of us to take responsibility for our actions and to be mindful of the consequences of keeping wild animals in captivity. The film is a must-watch for anyone interested in animal welfare, conservation, and protecting the environment.

In conclusion, Born to Be Free is a heart-wrenching, thought-provoking, and ultimately inspiring film that highlights the plight of captive beluga whales and their need to be free. The film is a testament to the resilience of these creatures and the human spirit's determination to protect them. It is a film that is sure to leave a lasting impact on anyone who watches it.