SAFE ON SHOW

It's not everyday one of the world's most celebrated film directors flies to New Zealand to support SAFE - but this is exactly what happened for the release of Animals on Show. SAFE education officer Nichola Kriek reports.

Animals on Show had already proven to be a hit with schools - but I never expected it would attract the attention of a major international filmmaker!

Michael Apted, director of Amazing Grace, Agatha, Gorky Park, Nell and Gorillas in the Mist (to name just a few of his projects) became aware of our educational efforts through a mutual friend. He was impressed by what he saw - in particular the focus on captive Great Apes, as he had spent some months in Rwanda filming and observing mountain gorillas during the production of Gorillas in the Mist in 1987.

Speaking for Animals on Show

Held at the Auckland Museum, one of Auckland's most prestigious event centres, 'Speaking for Animals on Show' was a special high-profile event staged by SAFE to celebrate the release of Animals on Show.

Michael shared some of his experiences with wild mountain gorillas. It was a fascinating talk. Most interesting was the process Michael and his crew and actor Sigourney Weaver went through to ensure Dian Fossey's life with the gorillas was told in an authentic and sensitive way.

Of paramount importance was the welfare of the gorillas. The filming of the animals (the very same gorillas that Dian Fossey had observed only a few years before her death) was shot documentary style with a very small crew of six, no lighting and no make-up artists for Sigourney. Sigourney was particularly brave as she waited patiently for the gorillas to ‘come to her' with no idea as to whether the gorillas would see her as friend or foe. Michael explained how the experience had left a lasting impression on both him and Sigourney, who continues to work to protect gorillas in the wild - over 20 years after the film was produced.

We were also extremely privileged to have Jeffrey Masson, author of When Elephants Weep and more recently The Face on your Plate, talk about the potential for animals to experience complex emotional lives.

He explained how pivotal the work of ‘Leakey's Angels' (Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey and Birute Galdikas) was to our understanding of animals and their emotions. What set these female researchers apart was their willingness to learn about the animals on their (the animals') terms and in their natural habitats.

As the co-creator of the SAFE Animals & Us education programme I also gave a presentation during which I explained how learning about human-animal relationships has huge potential for teachers and educators when exploring values in the classroom. After the event I was swamped by teachers wanting more information about this new exiting area of study. It was fabulous.

It truly was an inspiring event and will not be forgotten. SAFE extends a special thanks to Michael Apted, Jeffrey Masson and Karen Hay (who was our MC for the event) for their support and to all those who attended.

CAPTURING ANIMALS ON FILM

Three-time BAFTA award-winning film, television and documentary director Michael Apted will offer a rare insight into how film makers contribute to meaningful learning experiences and bring social justice issues to the fore.

The focus on captive great apes within Animals on Show struck a chord with Michael, who had observed wild mountain gorillas while filming Gorillas in the Mist.

Michael will be joined by bestselling internationally acclaimed author Jeffrey Masson, to discuss the changing views of humans towards animals and how learning about animals can enhance classroom teaching.

Hear how Animals & Us is pioneering animal advocacy within the classroom through exciting new teaching resources with an animal focus.

SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKERS

Michael Apted, award-winning British director
This accomplished director has directed over 35 documentaries and films including Up Series, Agatha, Gorky Park, Coal Miner's Daughter, Nell, Class Action, Amazing Grace, Enigma, The World is Not Enough and, most relevant, Gorillas in the Mist. Michael is currently directing The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader in Australia. Michael will share his experience of filming great apes in the wild.

Jeffrey Masson, internationally acclaimed author
The bestselling author of When Elephants Weep, Dogs Never Lie about Love and The Face on your Plate will engage the audience with the topic of animals as educators: How learning about animals can change our perspective on the world.

Nichola Kriek, SAFE education officer
Animals & Us programme founder and co-author of Animals on Show will discuss how to incorporate Human-Animal Studies into classroom teaching.