Animal Planet Scoops Up The Cove

PASADENA: The critically acclaimed documentary The Cove will air on Animal Planet following its television premiere on the premium network EPIX.

The film, distributed by Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions, investigates the slaughter of dolphins in remote Taiji, Japan, and features underwater sound and camera experts, deep sea free divers, special effects artists and a host of other marine/film experts. Animal Planet will air the documentary in the first exclusive window after it airs on EPIX, which is operated by Lionsgate, Viacom and MGM. The Cove is directed by Louis Psihoyos, produced by Fisher Stevens and Paula DuPre Pesman and features former Flipper trainer Ric O’Barry. The winner of the Audience Award at last year’s Sundance Film Festival, The Cove is a likely Oscar contender and has already won the National Board of Review Award for Best Documentary.

"The Cove is just the type of groundbreaking, provocative film that belongs on Animal Planet," said Marjorie Kaplan, the president and general manager of Animal Planet. "The film exposed an ugly reality that was veiled from the world for too long a time. We’re honored to bring this remarkable film and the issue of dolphin conservation to television audiences."