Unlocking the Cage is a 2016 documentary film, directed by D. A. Pennebaker and Chris Hegedus, about the work of the Nonhuman Rights Project's efforts to achieve legal rights for nonhuman animals.
Unlocking the Cage is a remarkable film directed by D.A. Pennebaker and Chris Hegedus. The film follows attorney Steve Wise, as he and his team try to break down the legal wall that separates animals from humans. Steve Wise argues that based on scientific evidence, "cognitively complex animals such as chimpanzees, whales, dolphins and elephants have the capacity for limited personhood rights (such as bodily liberty) that would protect them from physical abuse."
Pennebaker and Hegedus are Academy Award nominated directors, best known for their films Don't Look Back and The War Room.
Watch the film's trailer here: https://vimeo.com/254758375
After the screening there will be a brief panel discussion of the film. Panelists include:
Dr. Steve Ross:
Dr. Ross has studied chimpanzee behavior and welfare for over 20 years working primarily in zoos and sanctuaries. He is Chair of the Board of Directors at Chimp Haven, founder of Lincoln Park Zoo’s Project ChimpCARE, and co-editor of The Mind of the Chimpanzee (University of Chicago Press, 2010).
Anna Frostic:
Anna Frostic is the Managing Attorney for Wildlife & Animal Research for The Humane Society of the United States’ Animal Protection Litigation department, where she works to protect wildlife from human conflict and commercial exploitation and to eliminate unnecessary animal testing.
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