TORONTO, ON--(Marketwired - May 03, 2016) - The sound of newborn seals on pristine white ice is shattered by helicopter blades thumping overhead, gunshots, cameras snapping and the smell of boat diesel. The stakes are high for both the hunters and the watchers -- get the shot and get out. One leaves with fur pelts, the other evocative images. This is Huntwatch.

"The campaign against the commercial seal hunt has been a roller coaster," said Sheryl Fink, IFAW Canada's Director of Wildlife Programs, and a principal character in Huntwatch. "Over the decades we keep winning crucial victories, then the Canadian government keeps pushing back, and the campaign picks up again. I'm extremely happy that this story is being told."

The movie is a window into the ongoing saga that unfolds each year. Using the power of cinematography, Huntwatch exposes the cruelty of the ongoing hunt while bringing the audience close to the seals in their natural environment.

The Canadian premiere of Huntwatch will play on May 11^th at Landmark Cinemas City Centre as part of Northwest Fest. Sheryl Fink will be in attendance to answer questions after the showing.

Sheryl will be in Edmonton to respond to media requests the week of May 9^th.

About IFAW
IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare) was established in 1969 and its founding campaign was in opposition to Canada's commercial seal hunt. IFAW has more than 40 years of experience raising awareness, documenting and opposing the cruel commercial hunts for seals in Canada and around the world.

EDITORS: High resolution images available at www.ifawimages.com