Animal Studies

In this film, first-time father and prize-winning journalist Benoît Bringer investigates whether people should still eat meat. As the population grows and the pressure to provide cheap food increases, there has been a drive toward relentless productivity and industrialized farming. Animal cruelty, major health issues, and environmental damage are inevitable consequences. Everyone can see the problem. Are there alternatives?

"Dogs Decoded" reveals the science behind the remarkable bond between humans and their dogs and investigates new discoveries in genetics that are illuminating the origin of dogs—with surprising implications for the evolution of human culture. Other research is proving what dog lovers have suspected all along: Dogs have an uncanny ability to read and respond to human emotions. Humans, in turn, respond to dogs with the same hormone responsible for bonding mothers to their babies. How did this incredible relationship between humans and dogs come to be? And how can dogs, so closely related to fearsome wild wolves, behave so differently?

Based on the bestselling book by Jonathan Safran Foer and narrated by co-producer Natalie Portman, this is an urgent, eye-opening look at the environmental, economic, and public health consequences of factory farming. It offers attainable, common-sense solutions to a growing crisis while making the case that ethical farming is not only an animal rights issue but also one that affects every aspect of life.

In 1914, Joey, a beautiful bay-red foal with a distinctive cross on his nose, is sold to the army and thrust into the midst of the war on the Western Front. With his officer, he charges toward the enemy, witnessing the horror of the battles in France. But even in the desolation of the trenches, Joey's courage touches the soldiers around him and he is able to find warmth and hope. But his heart aches for Albert, the farmer's son he left behind. Will he ever see his true master again?

Based on the true story of young anthropologist Dian Fossey who travels to the African mountains to study the rare gorillas.

Killer whales are beloved majestic, friendly giants yet infamous for their capacity to kill viciously. The documentary BLACKFISH unravels the complexities of this dichotomy, employing the story of the notorious performing whale Tilikum, who unlike any orca in the wild has taken the lives of several people while in captivity. BLACKFISH expands on the discussion of keeping such intelligent creatures in captivity.

Documents the three-month sojourn of the staff and volunteers of the Sea Shepherd and the tactics used to cripple the whaling trade. Viewers are taken on an adventure that spotlights how the group takes action against alleged illegal whaling operations.

MINE is the powerful story about the essential bond between humans and animals told against the backdrop of one of the worst natural disasters in U.S. history. MINE explores how tragedy intensifies that bond and is told from the perspective of original guardians, rescuers, and adoptive parents of the voiceless victims of Katrina. These individuals are all connected by two things, the tragic aftermath of Katrina and their love of animals. In response to an unprecedented crisis, thousands of pets needed to be transported around the country and adopted even when their displaced guardians still desperately wanted them. Meanwhile, many adoptive guardians have forged strong bonds with their new pets, nurturing them back to health from the traumas they suffered during and after the storm. When two families love the same pet, conflicts inevitably arise over who is the rightful "owner" and what is right for the animal. At the center of this tension are pets who are loved like family, but by law are considered property.

The story of Nim, the chimpanzee who became the focus of a landmark 1970s experiment to show that an ape could learn to communicate with language if raised and nurtured like a human child. But as Nim’s natural instincts take over and the humans trusted with his well-being fail to protect him, Project Nim uncovers the unflinching and extraordinary journey of one animal thrust into human society.

Follows one Texas couple and their autistic son as they trek on horseback through Outer Mongolia in an attempt to find healing for him. When two-year-old Rowan was diagnosed with autism, Rupert Isaacson, a writer and former horse trainer, and his wife Kristin sought the best possible medical care, but traditional therapies had little effect. They discovered that Rowan has a profound affinity for animals, particularly horses, and the family set off on a quest that would change their lives forever.

This is the story of how we've changed the cow and how the cow has changed us, forever. Human history, biology, agriculture and economics have all been affected by this most influential animal. This creature's many gifts have sustained and supported the human race on our journey to civilization, and each of us continues to owe a daily debt to the humble, extraordinary cow.

A richly textured and visually stunning film, follows Buck Brannaman from his abusive childhood to his phenomenally successful approach to horses. A real-life 'horse-whisperer', he eschews the violence of his upbringing and teaches people to communicate with their horses through leadership and sensitivity, not punishment. Buck possesses near magical abilities as he dramatically transforms horses, and people , with his understanding, compassion and respect.

Samantha Khury has made a profession of being an animal therapist. She may not be a Freudian, but she does seem to have established communication with a variety of species, including race horses, goats, dogs and cats. Their owners call on her to discover what is troubling their animals. You may be skeptical that Samantha is really getting information directly from the animals. How else did Samantha discover that one mournful cat missed greeting customers at its owner s store, or that a dog was bereft at the loss of its stuffed toy? Samantha has a loyal following among pet owners and those who depend on animals for their livelihood. Even if you re not convinced of Samantha s gifts, you ll enjoy this foray into the mysteries of the animal psyche.

Filmmaker and omnivore John Papola, together with his vegetarian wife Lisa, offer up a timely and refreshingly unbiased look at how farm animals are raised for our consumption. With unprecedented access to large-scale conventional farms, Papola asks the tough questions behind every hamburger, glass of milk and baby-back rib. What he discovers are not heartless industrialists, but America's farmers - real people who, along with him, are grappling with the moral dimensions of farming animals for food.