I had the privilege to screen the new movie, Otter 501,  being released on May 11, 2012 in select cities.

Before I saw the movie, I was trying to figure out the meaning behind the films name.  It became apparent that Otter 501 was the number given to the rescued otters from the Monterey coastline in California.

Our family snuggled up on a Friday night to watch and see what Otter 501 was all about.   Right from the beginning I was in awe of the scenery…the clarity of the scenes were amazing and so beautiful.   The movie begins with the main character Katie conversing on Facebook with her family and friends.  She has decided to spend some time on the coast but what she doesn’t realize is how personal her stay will get with the otters off the California coast.

A storm grows, a sea otter pup is separated from her mother, and a young woman bound for adventure blows in to town. On a wild, windswept beach these lives collide and an entire species’ survival gets personal. Offering a fresh take on the familiar nature documentary format, Otter 501 combines stunning natural history footage with clever, digital age storytelling. Through Katie’s eyes you will see our playful pup, otter number 501, get an amazing second chance at life in the wild. As the two learn to navigate the opportunities and risks of life without anchor we see the incredible efforts people have undertaken to return sea otters from the brink of extinction. Framed against the strikingly beautiful Monterey Bay coastline, the last stronghold of these iconic animals, Katie discovers just how serious this threat remains. Their adventure, unexpected as it was, illustrates what we can do to contribute to the growing movement to protect the southern sea otter…and ourselves.

The story is told by Katie through her eyes.  After a few minutes of watching her talk on FB, you begin to feel she is talking to you.  You become eager to hear what happens next as she goes from calling for help to rescue Otter 501 to her learning how to observe otter’s mannerisms to the release of Otter 501 back to the wild.

As the story unfolds you learn so many interesting facts about Otters.  I was amazed and so were the kids with what we learned.    I don’t want to spoil the movie so will let you watch it and learn like we did.

Last week I was able to be in an interactive chat with character Katie Pofahl, playing herself and the producer Mark Shelley.   We asked a lot of questions and they answered each and every one of them.  If you would like to read a recap of our conversation, check out TheMotherhood blog.

For a list of cities that will be hosting the opening of the movie check out Events on Otter 501 Facebook’s page.  (For those of us in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle and Portland are hosting.  Check to see if it will be at a theater near you.)

The makers of Otter 501 love conversing about the film and are open to answer any of your questions.  Follow them on Twitter and ask a question.  They will be quick to answer!  Be sure to take your kids to the movie, (mine were 9 and 11 and loved it)…you will learn so much!

Disclosure:  I was sent an Otter 501 screening copy for review purposes (working on behalf of  TheMotherhood).  I was not compensated to write a positive or favorable review.  This is my personal opinion of the movie.