Pete Chelkowski '87: Imagination and Impact

Pete Chelkowski ’87 has built a career telling stories that sit at the intersection of courage, empathy, and social responsibility. Most recently, he produced and directed One with the Whale, an award-winning documentary that has earned a Peabody Award and an Emmy nomination.

The film follows an Alaska Native family facing global online backlash after their teenage son becomes the youngest to harpoon a whale for his village—a tradition vital to their culture. Heartwarming and gripping, One with the Whale explores digital activism, cultural misunderstanding, and resilience under intense scrutiny.

Pete traces his love of storytelling back to his days at Browning. He recalls homeroom with Mr. Wolcott, who “took us on magnificent journeys daily” and encouraged students to live beyond the classroom and stretch their imaginations.

There was also an early lesson in improvisation. Growing up in the early ’80s without a television, Pete found himself on the outside many mornings as classmates dissected the previous night’s shows. To keep up, he began inventing his own shows, spinning elaborate plotlines from thin air. The illusion held until a classmate’s mother approached his parents at a party, eager to know what kind of cable channels offered those shows. The truth came out: no cable, no TV. “Needless to say, my cover was blown,” he said. But the storytelling, however, continued.

Pete Chelkowski ’87 produced and directed the award-winning documentary One with the Whale.

Pete is candid about the demands of the craft. “Making feature films is a herculean undertaking,” he says. “It takes years of hard work, dedication, and teamwork.” His advice to boys interested in pursuing it: choose stories you’re passionate about and collaborators you love working with, because you’ll be immersed in that world for a long time. “Have fun. Break the rules. Strive to make change. Experiment over and over again.”

Reflecting on his journey, Pete credits Browning with helping set him on this path—one grounded in curiosity, ethical storytelling, and a willingness to engage complex ideas. His work exemplifies how Browning alumni continue to live out the School’s values by using their voices and talents to foster understanding and spark meaningful dialogue in the world.