Sentient

Australia2026105 minEnglish

An investigation into laboratory research on animals exposes a hidden world in which it’s not just the animals getting hurt. The story of Dr. Lisa Jones Engel, a primatologist turned animal welfare advocate, asks whether harming animals and ourselves in science’s name is justified.

+ More

Animal testing, specifically on primates, has long been controversial, but its supposed necessity for medical breakthroughs has made many in the medical community and general public accept it. Sentient questions this assumption with an open mind and deep research, drawing on evidence and testimony from people on the front lines of animal experimentation around the world, some of whom have been traumatized by what they’ve seen and done. With disturbing footage from highly secretive laboratories and a rigorous approach that includes conflicting voices, a complicated portrait of the efficacy of animal testing for the betterment of humankind emerges. Director Tony Jones asks us to consider, with great empathy to animals and humans alike: While we might have a need to test on animals, do we have a right? — SS

This film contains mature content and is not recommended for audiences 17 and under.

Available in person. Also available online for the public (January 29–February 1) and credentialed press and industry (January 28–February 1).

World Cinema Documentary CompetitionAll FeaturesScience & TechnologyNonfictionClosed CaptionOpen CaptionU.S. Only- less

Credits

Director(s)
Tony Jones
Screenwriter
Tony Jones
Rachel Grierson-Johns
Producer
Ivan O’Mahoney
Executive Producer
Sarah Ferguson
Editor
Rachel Grierson-Johns
Additional Editor
Orly Danon
Composer
Helena Czajka
Directors of Photography
Andy Taylor
Aaron Smith
Vanessa Carr
Sound Design and Mix by
Nigel Christensen
Archival Producer
Susan Parry
Field Producer
Lin Buckfield

Company
In Films
Website
www.in-films.com
Contact
Ivan O’Mahoney
ivan@in-films.com
61400402726

Meet the Artist

Tony Jones

Tony Jones is the former host of several Australian current affairs TV programs. As an investigative reporter and foreign correspondent, he won seven Walkley Awards. He covered the end of Soviet communism, the Balkan wars, the Gulf War, the rise of the Afghanistan mujahideen, and the end of South Africa’s apartheid.

To Hold a Mountain

In the remote highlands of Montenegro, a shepherd mother and daughter proudly defend their ancestral mountain from the threat of becoming a NATO military training ground, stirring memories of the violence that shattered their family.

(1hr 45mins)

World Cinema Documentary Competition

Everybody To Kenmure Street

World Cinema Documentary Special Jury Award for Civil Resistance

In May 2021, a U.K. Home Office dawn raid triggers one of the most spontaneous and successful acts of civil resistance in recent memory. In Scotland’s most diverse neighborhood, hundreds of residents rush to the streets to stop the deportation of their neighbors.

(1hr 38mins)

World Cinema Documentary Competition

Hanging by a Wire

A routine school commute turns terrifying when a cable car’s wire snaps, leaving eight passengers — including six schoolboys — dangling 900 feet above a ravine in the remote Himalayan foothills. With 10 hours before the remaining cable is expected to fail, a group of rescuers races to save them.

(1hr 17mins)

World Cinema Documentary Competition

Kikuyu Land

As a Nairobi journalist probes a land battle entangling the local government and a powerful multinational corporation, covered wounds are revealed and family secrets are exposed.

(1hr 36mins)