Asia for Animals Bali: some comments and observations

[Guest guest]

Dear colleagues,

Some comments on Asia for Animals Bali. Great

setting and very plush surroundings in front of the sea beach. Good place

for networking and discussion. Trip to Bali Zoo was depressing but

educational. It is a third class zoo in first class premises. Meeting zoo

directors was revealing. But the conference was overwhelmingly geared

towards animal welfare rather than animal rights. And this seems to be the

dominant aspect of AfA, welfare not rights. Even the resolutions are also in

favour of welfare than rights. There was huge support for humane slaughter

in view of the Egyptian fatwa for better treatment of animals before

slaughter. I personally found it disconcerting.

I am however attaching a review of an excellent film that was shown at AfA

Bali called 'Earthlings'. This film came in as a waft of fresh air since it

highlighted animal rights and was the only instance during the whole

conference when animal rights issues were highlighted. It showed very

disturbing footage of animals being abused in a multiplicity of situations,

eg., slaughterhouses, laboratories, circuses, zoos and sport. It was a

delight to listen and talk to Shaun Monson, the director.

I think there is scope for discussion in this forum and elsewhere as to

whether AfA should continue to focus only on animal welfare or should

highlight more animal rights issues.

It was nice to renew old acquaintances and meet fellow workers from around

the globe. The sight of some free living exotic birds also brought in

unalloyed pleasure.

Best wishes and kind regards,

 

Warmly,

 

*http://www.vegparadise.com/media9.html*

**

*Earthlings *

 

*DVD Written, Produced, and Directed by Shaun Monson *

 

Nation Earth, 2005

 

 

Shaun Monson has hung society's dirty laundry out on the line, and the

sight isn't pretty. In fact, most people will turn their heads away or close

their eyes to avoid many of the scenes in his gripping documentary *Earthlings.

*

 

Monson has gathered 95 minutes of footage that indicts all of us for

permitting the abominable treatment of animals that " live " among us. With

many scenes captured by hidden cameras, the film chronicles the cruelty

perpetrated by society in its quest for food, clothing, entertainment, and

scientific research.

 

Viewers may find themselves queasy as they witness cows, pigs, and chickens

slaughtered for eventual use on dinner tables. But before they are killed

these creatures are castrated, debeaked, dehorned, branded, and pumped full

of hormones and antibiotics. Viewers may also experience revulsion as the

film traces the cruel history behind furs and leather.

 

What could be more entertaining than watching a bullfight where the bull is

being lanced repeatedly until blood gushes from its body or to visit the

circus and not realize that these animals are ripped from their natural

habitats and brutally trained to become performers? The documentary also

chronicles numerous gruesome scenes of animal torture that exist under the

guise of " scientific research. " The images of animals being sliced and diced

in so-called experiments provide some of the goriest frames in the movie.

 

This project was a five-year journey for Monson who began the process when

he made a series of public service announcements on spaying and neutering

pets. As part of this effort he filmed at animal shelters in the Los

Angeles/Long Beach communities. He soon turned to other aspects of animal

issues, filming and gathering footage from other sources before he began his

editing.

 

The documentary is given a big boost with the efforts of Joaquin Phoenix

and Moby. Phoenix, a committed vegan as well as a Golden Globe Award winner

and Academy Award nominee, narrates while electronic music recording star

Moby contributes 16 musical tracks, more than two-thirds of the film's

score. Phoenix has shown his support of the film by appearing at the San

Diego Film festival and autographing copies of the DVD. Moby, whose albums

include " Animal Rights, " is a well-known vegan and animal activist. When

approached to provide music, he responded, " I will be honored to have my

music in such a film. "

 

*Earthlings *opens by defining an earthling as an inhabitant of the earth.

" Since we all inhabit the earth, all of us are considered earthlings, " says

the narrator. All of us includes all species, not just man who overrules the

interests of all other species and exploits them. The film attempts to lift

public consciousness of the indignities, inhumane torture, and excruciating

pain that these animals suffer.

 

Phoenix's narration adds dignity to the film by not being overly dramatic

but quietly explaining what is occurring. Not once is he visually presented,

nor are other humans. There are no interviews, just the damning footage of

animal suffering. Moby's score does not distract from the powerful scenes

but instead provides an effective background.

 

*Earthlings *is part one of a trilogy planned by Monson. It is not yet

rated, and, hopefully, its graphic depiction of animal cruelty will not

receive an R rating, putting it out of reach for many young people. The film

was not easy for us to watch, but we realize that if more people witness

these scenes, they will be encouraged to take an active role in demanding

that other species be treated more humanely. Phoenix sums it up when he

says, " Of all the films I have ever made, this is the one that gets people

talking the most. For every person who sees *Earthlings,* they will tell

three. "