AR 2009 Video: The Cove
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At the Animal Rights Conference in Los Angeles that just ended, we had a range of activities from which to choose. (For details about the event, please take a look at arconference.org.) During the day we were able to attend informative sessions with animal protection leaders, join in on “rap sessions” about topics of particular interest to activists, cruise the huge exhibit room, try out tasty (free) snacks, or watch videos.
I had a taste of a new film, The Cove, which is scheduled to open in major cities on July 31, and nationwide on August 7 (check to see if your city is scheduled to show it – then lobby the theater if it isn’t). The film is a documentary, featuring film that was obtained secretly and ingeniously, about the killing of dolphins for food. The killers are a small group of Japanese people, supported, unfortunately, by the Japanese government. The filmmakers are careful to point out that the Japanese people are unaware that this is going on and are shocked and horrified when they learn.
We did not get to see the whole film. We did get to see several trailers, several clips from the film, and an interview with the director and chief dolphin expert.
From these tidbits I became excited and hungry for more. The film promises to have a huge impact on this previously-secret industry and on whaling as well. The filmmakers are working with local groups to get the word out to film-goers on what they can do about these issues. The local groups will hand out post cards to people leaving the theaters, with information on where to go to learn what can be done.
I would very much like to be one of the persons handing out the postcards. If you would, too, go to the film site (http://www.thecovemovie.com/) and click on the “What you can do” tab. From the new page, click on “take part” at the top, and finally, scroll down the right side of this new page and put your email address in the box that is labeled “stay informed with take part”. It’s a bit of a laborious way to get on a list, and if you find a faster way please let me know.
I was at this video clip screening too, and it’s also definitely on my list to watch when it comes out in the theatres.
I am surprised and impressed that you’ve found the time this week to write all these posts! You must not need any sleep! I am going to bed now after a LOOOONG 15 hour day at the conference and I’m exhausted, but it was worth it!
Alison, there were two people blogging, Elaine and Judy. So the load was a little lighhter than you might think. That, and we only attended the weekend sessions, not the entire conference.
But yeah, we were a little tired
PS – Here’s preview of The Cove: