2016 | USA | NR | 91 min.
Should animals have the same legal rights that
people do? Even if you go in to “Unlocking the
Cage” thinking this is a cuckoo concept, you’ll
be surprised by your answer at the end of this
deeply provocative film. Attorney and animal
rights activist Steven Wise has dedicated his
career to pursuing legal “personhood” status
(a distinction we’ve already bestowed on
corporations) for certain intelligent animals,
including chimpanzees and whales. His goal is
not for the animals to be categorized as human,
but rather to have their rights protected
under the law. This fascinating concept is
made potently persuasive as Wise exhibits
evidence of high animal IQs, acute awareness
of surroundings, and suffering caused by deplorable
conditions in amusement parks and
labs. Legendary Oscar-nominated filmmakers
and TCFF honorees D.A. Pennebaker and
Chris Hegedus have created an enthralling,
thought-provoking film, as riveting as a great
courtroom drama, that just might forever
change the way you view animals and their
rights. In Person: Directors Chris Hegedus
and D.A. Pennebaker.