841 (2023)

Directed by Rachel Burnett

Catching waves and biting boards, Sea Otter 841 has captured the attention of citizens, scientists, and journalists around the world. While she continues to evade capture, the media frenzy has raised the question: What should we do about this unruly otter?

“From playing at the beach to visiting aquariums, marine life and environments have fascinated me from a young age. While I’ve enjoyed learning about all marine animals, one specific mammal always caught my attention: the California Sea Otter. This fluffy creature sparked my interest in environmental studies, which has become intertwined with my passion for documentary filmmaking. After receiving the opportunity to participate in UC Santa Barbara’s Coastal Media Project, I was determined to give back to this species through a short documentary. My crew and I were drawn to the story of Otter 841 when it emerged in June 2023, leading us to discover the depths of her behavior and the widespread debate. Our personal perceptions were continuously challenged throughout the process as a complex picture of human and wildlife interactions was uncovered. This film allowed us to not only recognize the flaws in our approaches to wildlife conservation but also learn how to be better stewards of our marine environments.”

- Rachel Burnett