Family Screening: Whale Nation

In this documentary, director Jean-Albert Lièvre follows the plight of a beached humpback whale through dual perspectives—a young girl and the whale itself. The narrative unfolds alongside interviews with myriad experts and incredible underwater footage of whales in their natural environment, emphasizing the intelligence, community, and ecological role of these gentle giants—and the toll that humans take on them.

Both a poetic homage to Heathcote Williams’ book Whale Nation and a rallying cry, urging viewers to consider the effects of their actions, both big and small, positive and negative.

L’Alliance New York is an independent, not-for-profit organization. Its Montclair campus was established in 2008 as the Montclair Branch of the French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF Montclair). Initially focused on offering French language classes for all ages, from toddlers to adults, the campus has grown to include a variety of cultural and social events. In 2024, the Montclair Campus became home to L’Alliance Preschool, a full-time French immersion program for toddlers (ages 2 ½ to 5).

This screening is presented by the Montclair Campus of L’Alliance New York, as part of L’Alliance New York’s Climate Month programming.

The film will be presented in French with English subtitles. Length is 82 minutes. It is recommended for age 6 and up.