Pelts: Politics of the Fur Trade
The fur trade is Canada's oldest industry, but today some people challenge the morality of killing animals for their fur. This film examines the public relations war raging between the industry and its opponents and takes an objective look at the ethical, environmental and economic issues raised by the debate. The struggle to win over public opinion has been joined by Indigenous peoples in Canada who fear that their way of life will be jeopardized if the fur industry is destroyed. The cycle of the industry is followed from the trapper's bush camp and the fur ranch to the final …
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The fur trade is Canada's oldest industry, but today some people challenge the morality of killing animals for their fur. This film examines the public relations war raging between the industry and its opponents and takes an objective look at the ethical, environmental and economic issues raised by the debate. The struggle to win over public opinion has been joined by Indigenous peoples in Canada who fear that their way of life will be jeopardized if the fur industry is destroyed. The cycle of the industry is followed from the trapper's bush camp and the fur ranch to the final sale of a coat in the furrier's salon. Throughout the film, the conflicting opinions of fur industry representatives, animal rights activists and Indigenous people challenge the viewer to consider all aspects of this complex debate.
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directorNigel Markham
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scriptNigel Markham
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editingNigel Markham
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producerKent Martin
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executive producerShelagh MackenzieGermaine Ying Gee Wong
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cameraMike MahoneyNigel MarkhamKent Nason
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soundJohn MartinArthur McKayJim RillieAlex Salter
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sound editingAntonia McGrath
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re-recordingHans Peter Strobl
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narratorChris Brookes
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musicEric LemoyneRoger LemoyneBruce Reid
Documentary on animal rights ideal for debates or essays. How fashionable is fur today, after the activism of the 1980s? In what ways is the debate around fur also related to issues of agribusiness, or animal testing that saves human lives? Is killing other beings natural, and does that make it moral or immoral? Do non-Indigenous activists have the right to campaign against the way Indigenous people treat animals? Explain the ethics behind choices you’ve made about clothing.
