Gabriela Cowperthwaite is an American film director, best known for her documentary films Blackfish and The Wolfpack. She has been a vocal advocate for animal rights and environmental protection.
Cowperthwaite was born in Northampton, Massachusetts, and raised in San Diego, California. She attended The University of California, Berkeley, where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English literature. She then went on to study film at the University of Southern California, graduating with an MFA in Film Production.
Cowperthwaite's first feature film was the 2009 documentary Blackfish, which examines the dangers of keeping killer whales in captivity. The film was an enormous success, garnering critical acclaim and awards from numerous organizations, including the Sundance Film Festival and the International Documentary Association.
In 2015, Cowperthwaite released her second feature film, The Wolfpack. This documentary follows the six Angulo brothers, who were kept isolated in their family's New York apartment for most of their lives. The Wolfpack was also a critical success, receiving numerous awards and nominations, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Documentary Feature.
In addition to her work as a filmmaker, Cowperthwaite is a strong advocate for animal rights, particularly with regard to captive marine mammals. She has spoken out against the practice of keeping whales in captivity and has created a number of campaigns to raise awareness on the issue.
Cowperthwaite is currently working on a new documentary about the destruction of coral reefs, which she hopes to release in 2021. She is also in the process of developing a feature film based on the life of a woman who spent 10 years in solitary confinement.
Gabriela Cowperthwaite is a passionate and inspiring filmmaker whose work has been instrumental in bringing attention to important social and environmental issues. Her commitment to making a difference in the world is evident in her work and her advocacy for animal rights and environmental protection.
