From the dazzling coral reefs of the Bahamas to the wind-swept seas of Patagonia, go under the water’s surface for a romp with inquisitive Atlantic spotted dolphins, acrobatic dusky dolphins and the familiar bottlenose dolphin. Follow marine biologists, Dr. Kathleen Dudzinski, Dr. Bernd Würsig and Dr. Alejandro Acevedo-Gutierrez, as they research the communication of wild dolphins with innovative scientific methods. From rarely seen fish-herding behavior to a close-up look at complex communication activities, Dolphins offers a fascinating new perspective on the lives of dolphins and their remarkable intelligence.

Produced by MacGillivray Freeman Films in association with National Wildlife Federation.

Major funding provided by National Science Foundation and the Museum Film Network.

A Great Adventure Film

Narrated by Pierce Brosnan

Music by Sting

Runtime: 39 minutes

Format: filmed in 15 perforation/70 mm

For Educators

Educator Guide – Six hands-on activities with modifications for preschool to eight grade that teach ocean literacy principles while covering biology and ecology science standards.

Honors and Reviews
  • Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Subject – Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, 2000
  • Nominated for an IDA Award for Best Documentary Short – International Documentary Association, 2000
  • Best Film of the Year for Lifelong Learning and Best Marketing Campaign of the Year by a Distributor- 2000 Giant Screen Theater Association Achievement Awards
  • Grand Prix du Public – La Géode Film Festival, Paris
  • Highest grossing documentary film (of any format—15/70 or 35mm) of 2000

Dolphins is an enchanting, huge-screen family movie that takes you underwater for 40 minutes of fun, frolic, and the rudiments of communications with these mammals with the permanent grins.”
– New York Daily News

“Produced by IMAX vet MacGillivray Freeman Films, maker of the phenomenally successful EverestDolphins seems modeled on its subject: it’s as playful and personable as it is big and beautiful.”
– Detroit Free Press

“…the perfect balance of spectacular images and solid science.”
– The Toronto Sun

“…a gloriously colorful and captivating sojourn among some of the world’s most intriguing creatures.”
– Cincinnati Enquirer

“Mesmerizing to look at…entertains and informs the whole family…”
– Dallas Morning News

Dolphins broke attendance records for the best single day and the largest Spring break attendance ever at this institution.”
– Museum of Science and Industry, Portland

Visit the film website for behind-the-scenes videos, educational materials, and more.

Seeing is believing.

Would you like to schedule a viewing of one of our films?
We can help with that.