By Pálli Justesen, Far Away Islands Contributor and Neptune’s Pirates UK Ambassador.
The newly released documentary, Far Away Islands, offers a deep dive into one of the most controversial traditions of our islands: the grindadráp. The film seeks to explore the complexities of the practice, the perspectives of those involved, and the broader environmental and ethical implications - rather than being yet another exposé by activists. Instead of simply presenting a one-sided argument, the documentary provides a space for discussion, allowing viewers to engage with all aspects of the issue and form their own opinions.
The Complexity of the Faroe Islands’ Relationship with Nature
The Faroe Islands are often romanticised as a rugged, self-sustaining society standing apart from the capitalist world. But in reality, our economic success is built on global trade. This contradiction is at the heart of Far Away Islands. Many Faroese pride themselves on maintaining ancient traditions, like the grindadráp, as a way to resist external pressures. Yet, we are one of the wealthiest communities per capita, benefiting from the very system we claim to reject.
The documentary explores this paradox, alongside the broader treatment of wildlife in the Faroe Islands. Beyond the dolphin and pilot whale hunts, it exposes the environmental costs of industrial fishing, salmon farming, and pollution - issues that rarely make our headlines but are just as damaging to Faroese marine life.
Every year, hundreds of pilot whales and dolphins are killed in the name of tradition. Defenders argue that the hunt is sustainable and a vital part of Faroese culture. Others question its necessity in a modern world where alternatives exist. Critics highlight its consequences - how consuming mercury-laden whale meat endangers our own health, how it threatens biodiversity, and the ethical concerns surrounding the suffering of sentient marine mammals.
Far Away Islands does not shy away from these difficult questions. Using never-before-seen footage, the film presents the grindadráp as it is - without demonising it, without embellishment, without omission. It allows audiences to witness the realities firsthand and to reflect on what this practice means in today’s world.
A Message to My Fellow Faroese People
As a fellow Faroese, I know that the grindadráp is more than just a hunt - it is our history, our heritage and resistance against external control. But I ask: is it a tradition worth keeping when it poses health risks and damages the very ecosystem that sustains us?
I do not expect overnight change. I do not expect easy answers. But I do believe that meaningful dialogue is possible. The world is watching - not to judge, but to listen.
For those of us who wish to see the deliberate killing of dolphins to end, we know that we must first understand the cultural, economic, and historical forces that sustain it. For those, like me, who advocate for the end of the grindadráp, this documentary is not a crass exposé - it is a tool for action. An opportunity for our society to have a more open discussion about the values we wish to embody and the relationship we have, both within our island communities and with the wider world.
We say the hunt connects us to our past, but at what cost? Far Away Islands makes it clear: tradition should never come before ethics. I hope that by highlighting the contradictions within our society that thrives on global capitalism while claiming to resist it, the film will strengthen our discussions around change.
Watch It Now
This documentary is not just an invitation to learn - it is a call to engage. Whether you support or oppose the grindadráp, Far Away Islands offers an opportunity to reflect, discuss, and explore new possibilities for the future.
The film is available now on demand on WaterBear and Ecoflix in five languages: English, Spanish, French, German, and Brazilian Portuguese.
The question remains: are we ready to listen?
Thank you for sharing the video. By seeing how they kill the birds, make me more hate Faroe people. Savage. Taking advantage of animals, getting profit from that, that’s sick!
Palli is a hero