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Arkelope

1994 5 min
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Arkelope is an animated short that takes a pointed look at endangered species and human indifference. When a middle-aged couple come across a nature documentary on the decline of the arkelope while channel-surfing, they learn that although the species has managed to survive a variety of natural disasters, it is now in imminent danger of extinction due to man's short-sightedness. With a serious yet funny approach, this little film illustrates human passivity in the face of the ubiquitous TV set.

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This work contains scenes of violence. Viewer discretion is advised.
Arkelope

Details

Arkelope is an animated short that takes a pointed look at endangered species and human indifference. When a middle-aged couple come across a nature documentary on the decline of the arkelope while channel-surfing, they learn that although the species has managed to survive a variety of natural disasters, it is now in imminent danger of extinction due to man's short-sightedness. With a serious yet funny approach, this little film illustrates human passivity in the face of the ubiquitous TV set.

This work contains scenes of violence. Viewer discretion is advised.
Environment and Conservation All subjects
  • director
    Roslyn Schwartz
  • animation
    Roslyn Schwartz
  • producer
    Marcy Page
  • executive producer
    Barrie McLean
  • animation camera
    Lynda Pelley
  • sound
    John Oswald
    Philip Strong
  • re-recording
    Jean-Pierre Joutel
  • narrator
    Harry Hill
  • voice
    Sheena Larkin
    Mark Trafford

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Education

Ages 13 to 17
Study Guide
Guide 1
School subjects
Science - Life Systems/Ecology Social Studies - Contemporary Issues
Define endangered species. What is the message of the film? How are the people in the film portrayed? Discuss the implications of "indifference" and how it affects the future. Brainstorm a list of topics where indifference or complacency could hurt our world (environment, politics, education, etc). Have students produce a short film, piece of art or written work showing the "worst case scenario" of indifference to one of the topics.
Arkelope
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