Dominion (2018 film)

Dominion is a 2018 Australian documentary film that explores the ethics of animal agriculture and the impact of human activities on animals. Directed by Chris Delforce, the film uses hidden camera footage to reveal the conditions and treatment of animals in various industries. It serves as a sequel to the 2014 film Lucent and aims to challenge the viewer's perception of animal rights and welfare.

Overview

Dominion film poster

Dominion is structured around six primary facets of human interaction with animals: food, clothing, entertainment, research, companionship, and wildlife. The film employs a combination of drone footage, hidden cameras, and handheld cameras to capture the often unseen realities of animal exploitation.

The documentary is narrated by prominent animal rights activists, including Joaquin Phoenix, Rooney Mara, Sia, Sadie Sink, and Kat Von D. Their voices guide the audience through the various segments, providing context and emotional weight to the visuals.

Content

The film is divided into several segments, each focusing on a different aspect of animal use:

Food

The food segment of Dominion delves into the practices of factory farming, highlighting the conditions in which animals are raised and slaughtered for meat, dairy, and eggs. It exposes the cramped and unsanitary environments, as well as the physical alterations animals undergo, such as debeaking and castration, often without anesthesia.

Clothing

In the clothing section, the film examines the use of animals for leather, wool, and fur. It reveals the processes involved in obtaining these materials, including the shearing of sheep and the skinning of animals for fur, often while they are still alive.

Entertainment

The entertainment segment critiques the use of animals in circuses, zoos, and marine parks. It highlights the unnatural conditions in which these animals are kept and the training methods used to make them perform.

Research

This part of the documentary focuses on the use of animals in scientific research and testing. It shows the invasive procedures and experiments animals are subjected to in the name of science and medicine.

Companionship

The film also addresses the breeding and treatment of companion animals, such as dogs and cats. It discusses issues like puppy mills and the abandonment of pets.

Wildlife

Finally, Dominion explores the impact of human activities on wildlife, including habitat destruction and hunting.

Production

Stencil promotional Dominion

The production of Dominion involved extensive undercover work, with footage gathered over several years. The filmmakers collaborated with various animal rights organizations to gain access to facilities and document the conditions within.

Impact

Upon its release, Dominion received attention for its graphic and unflinching portrayal of animal exploitation. It has been used as an educational tool by animal rights groups to promote veganism and raise awareness about animal welfare issues.

Related pages

• Animal rights
• Veganism
• Factory farming
• Animal welfare