“A Taste of Whale,” the newest documentary by filmmaker Vincent Kelner, opens in total darkness with the eerie cries of men and the high-pitched clicks and whistles of distressed whales. The film immediately captures our attention with its gripping, unsettling, and thought-provoking nature. As Paul McCartney famously said, “If slaughterhouses had glass walls, everyone would be a vegetarian,” and this film forces us to examine that sentiment through a different cultural lens.
When the film lands in theatres and on-demand, it invites audiences to re-evaluate a centuries-old debate about whale hunting in the Faroe Islands. Here, whalers herd large pods of pilot whales into shallow bays, where they are slaughtered en masse for food during the annual hunting season, known locally as “the grind.”
The islanders salt-cure any meat not eaten immediately, making efficient use of the whales. However, while pilot whale populations are not considered at risk, animal welfare organisations such as Sea Shepherd have long campaigned to end the practice, arguing that it is unnecessary and even brutal.
A Balanced Perspective or a Call to Action?
Kelner’s approach in “A Taste of Whale” is nuanced. Instead of outright condemning or condoning the practice, Kelner provides a critical perspective on the broader food industry. Are the Faroese hunts truly more gruesome than industrial slaughterhouses worldwide? Locals argue that their connection to the food chain is far more transparent than the often opaque, mass-produced systems that feed millions globally.
The film introduces us to Faroese residents who take pride in sourcing their food directly from nature—whether it’s fishing in the bay or catching shorebirds with their bare hands. In contrast, voices from organisations such as PETA and Sea Shepherd argue that modern ethics demand a shift away from animal consumption entirely.
As the documentary unfolds, it becomes clear that the Faroe Islands’ pristine waters are not just stained by whale blood but also by pollution and modern environmental concerns. This revelation adds another layer to the ethical debate—how sustainable is any form of food production today?
Other Films to Watch If You Like This
If “A Taste of Whale” intrigues you, you might enjoy these thought-provoking documentaries that dive into similar themes of food ethics, sustainability, and cultural traditions:
1. “Seaspiracy” – A deep dive into the global fishing industry’s environmental impact.
2. “The Cove”—An” Oscar-winning documentary uncovering the hidden dolphin slaughter in Taiji, Japan.
3. “Cowspiracy” – A look at the impact of animal agriculture on the environment.
4. “Our Planet” – Narrated by David Attenborough, this series highlights the delicate balance of marine ecosystems.
5. “Blackfish“—A” powerful exposé on the ethical concerns surrounding orcas in captivity.
How You Can Support Marine Conservation
Feeling inspired to make a difference? Here are a few organisations where you can contribute and support efforts to protect marine life:
- Sea Shepherd Conservation Society – An active force in defending ocean wildlife worldwide. Learn more
- Oceana—focused on policy change to protect and restore the oceans on a global scale. Get involved
- The Dolphin Project—Works to end dolphin exploitation and captivity. Support here
- Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) – A leading charity dedicated to the protection of whales and dolphins. Donate
Final Thoughts
“A Taste of Whale” doesn’t just show us a polarising tradition; it invites us to look inward and reflect on our food choices. Whether you’re drawn to the ethical debate, fascinated by cultural traditions, or simply eager to understand the complexity of our global food systems, this documentary offers a fresh perspective that lingers long after the credits roll.
Will you see the Faroese way of life in a new light, or will it reaffirm your commitment to animal welfare? Either way, it’s a conversation worth having.
