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Pelts: Politics of the Fur Trade

1989 56 min
Leaving soon

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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This work contains scenes of violence. Viewer discretion is advised.
Pelts: Politics of the Fur Trade

Details

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.
This work contains scenes of violence. Viewer discretion is advised.
  • director
    Nigel Markham
  • script
    Nigel Markham
  • editing
    Nigel Markham
  • producer
    Kent Martin
  • executive producer
    Shelagh Mackenzie
    Germaine Ying Gee Wong
  • camera
    Mike Mahoney
    Nigel Markham
    Kent Nason
  • sound
    John Martin
    Arthur McKay
    Jim Rillie
    Alex Salter
  • sound editing
    Antonia McGrath
  • re-recording
    Hans Peter Strobl
  • narrator
    Chris Brookes
  • music
    Eric Lemoyne
    Roger Lemoyne
    Bruce Reid

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Education

Ages 15 to 18
Study Guide
School subjects

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.

Pelts: Politics of the Fur Trade
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