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Deep Dive: The Ghosts in Our Machine (2013)

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The Ghosts in Our Machine
The Ghosts in Our Machine is a 2013 Canadian documentary directed by Liz Marshall, focusing on photojournalist Jo-Anne McArthur and her work in animal rights. The film features McArthur as she captures images of animals in various settings, including fur farms and Farm Sanctuary. It emphasizes her mission to publish her photographs to raise awareness about animal suffering and advocate for their rights. The documentary presents McArthur's perspective as she navigates the challenges of getting her work published, meeting with representatives from Redux Pictures, and collaborating with fellow activists. It includes undercover footage of fur farms and animal testing facilities, along with personal stories of rescued animals like Fanny and Sonny, a dairy cow and a calf. The film combines McArthur's activism with a narrative about the emotional connections people can have with animals, aiming to evoke empathy and prompt action for animal rights.

Why Watch

  • •Meet Jo-Anne McArthur, a dedicated animal rights activist.
  • •See undercover footage from fur farms and animal testing.
  • •Follow the rescue stories of Fanny and Sonny at Farm Sanctuary.

Did You Know

•The film premiered at the 2013 Hot Docs International Film Festival.
•Jo-Anne McArthur describes herself as a war photographer and activist.
•McArthur adopted a 'spent' dairy cow and a 'down' calf named Fanny and Sonny.

Perfect For

Animal rights activismPhotojournalismDocumentary filmmaking