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Scientist's Crisis: The Cost of Progress
11 Dec
Summary
- Film reveals ethical dilemmas in high-security animal testing labs.
- Dr. Lisa Jones Engel questions decades of work with primates.
- Documentary gains access to a major U.S. university lab.
Sentient takes viewers behind the scenes of secure laboratories where animal experimentation occurs, illustrating the deep psychological impact on the scientists. The film focuses on monkeys, subjects of intense study, who are paradoxically cared for and harmed within a "care-kill complex." This documentary offers unprecedented access to one of the U.S.'s largest animal research sites, revealing the vast scope of animal testing and its human consequences.
The narrative features Dr. Lisa Jones Engel, a distinguished primatologist who, after dedicating decades to studying chimpanzees and monkeys, came to understand the significant harm caused by her research. Sentient aims to expose the hidden truths of animal testing, presenting a complex human journey that prompts deep reflection on the sacrifices made for scientific progress.
Worldwide sales for Sentient will be managed by Dogwoof, with the film set to be presented at Sundance. The documentary, an In Films production funded by Screen Australia and others, challenges viewers' perceptions and contributes to the ongoing global discourse surrounding animal testing and its ethical implications.
