– Synopsis:
– Covers factory farms, pet stores, puppy mills, animal experimentation
– Features hidden camera footage of practices in animal-reliant industries
– Draws parallels between speciesism and racism, sexism, and more
– Directed by Shaun Monson
– Aims to raise awareness about animal rights
– Production:
– Started as footage shot at animal shelters in Los Angeles in 1999
– Initially intended for PSAs on spaying and neutering pets
– Took six years to complete due to challenges in obtaining industry footage
– Directed, written, and produced by Shaun Monson
– Focuses on the treatment of animals in various industries
– Promotion:
– Joaquin Phoenix highlighted the film’s impact on viewers
– Animal rights philosopher Tom Regan emphasized the film’s transformative effect
– Aims to spark conversations about animal welfare
– Advocates for compassion towards all beings
– Gained significant attention for its powerful message
– Accolades:
– Premiered at the Artivist Film Festival in 2005
– Won Best Documentary Feature at the Artivist Film Festival
– Received the Best Content Award at the Boston International Film Festival
– Recognized with the Humanitarian Award at the San Diego Film Festival
– Acknowledged for its contribution to raising awareness about animal rights
– Connection to the Lutsk hostage crisis:
– Involved in a hostage situation in Lutsk, Ukraine in 2020
– Demanded by the hostage-taker to be recommended by the President of Ukraine
– Ukrainian President recommended the film to secure the release of hostages
– Director Shaun Monson clarified the film’s stance on non-violence
– Highlighted the film’s message of compassion for all beings