Gabriela Cowperthwaite

Gabriela Cowperthwaite is an acclaimed filmmaker known for her impactful documentaries and narrative films that tackle pressing social and ethical issues. She gained international recognition with her 2013 documentary "Blackfish," which investigated the treatment of orcas in captivity at SeaWorld. The film ignited a global movement, leading to significant changes in SeaWorld’s practices, including ending its orca breeding program. "Blackfish" earned widespread critical acclaim and garnered nominations from prestigious institutions such as the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) and the Directors Guild of America (DGA).

Cowperthwaite has continued to create thought-provoking films with her narrative drama "Megan Leavey" (2017), which told the true story of a Marine and her bond with her bomb-sniffing dog. The film was praised for its emotional depth and reinforced Cowperthwaite's ability to tell powerful human-centered stories. In 2019, she directed "The Friend," starring Dakota Johnson and Casey Affleck, a moving drama about friendship and terminal illness that further cemented her as a versatile filmmaker able to balance emotional complexity and realism.

Her upcoming projects highlight her continued dedication to impactful storytelling. "The Grab," a new documentary exploring the covert world of global food and water resource acquisition, is set to expose the dark side of international land and resource grabs, focusing on their environmental and political consequences. Additionally, Cowperthwaite is directing "ISS," a thriller set on the International Space Station, examining conflicts that arise in the face of global disaster. She is also attached to direct "Children Underground," a narrative adaptation of the Oscar-nominated documentary about homeless children living in the Bucharest subway system. These upcoming films demonstrate her range and commitment to examining complex societal issues through both documentary and narrative lenses.

In addition to her work in film, Cowperthwaite is an advocate for animal rights and environmental causes, regularly participating in speaking engagements and using her platform to inspire social change. Her ability to bring underreported stories to light has solidified her reputation as a director who pushes the boundaries of traditional filmmaking to create conversations that matter.