A new Australian animal rights documentary, Dominion, will be narrated by international film stars, Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara.
Phoenix is known for his high profile roles in Gladiator and Walk The Line, while Mara is known for her roles in the Girl With The Dragon Tattoo and Lion. The pair also recently starred together in Her.
Melbourne local and film editor, Chris Delforce, says the announcement will build the hype of the film, which is premiering in one week today at a sold out Melbourne event before touring the country, and then the world.
“It’s hugely exciting to have such high profile celebrities on board with the film, but what’s even more exciting is knowing they believe in the message of the documentary. That really feels like a watershed moment to me.”
“Joaquin Phoenix was also the narrator of the 2005 documentary, Earthlings, a film that I took great inspiration from when making the decision to proceed with Dominion. I have always described the project as an ‘Australian Earthlings’.”
“While the documentary is largely comprised of footage from Australia, we hope through celebrity involvement we will be able to take the message of the film further. The animal cruelty issues raised in it are not just unique to our own country, they are systemic and routine, no matter where in the world you are.”
Dominion was announced in October 2015, and has been fully funded by grants and a crowdfunding campaign. The film contains never-before-seen footage and while there is a focus on animals raised for food, it also covers animals used for entertainment, clothing, research and more.
The film has pioneered the use of new and emerging technology, using aerial drones and covert cameras to obtain the most recent, highest quality footage.
Delforce faced Australia’s first ever “ag-gag” charges while collecting footage and evidence for the film, but all charges were dismissed on the first day in court. He flew to the United States this week to record the narration with the pair.
ENDS
