Documentary films can serve the purpose of raising awareness about a particular topic, issue, or idea. Liz Marshall‘s The Ghosts In Our Machine is one that achieves this and more.
The film focuses on the work of photographer Jo-Anne McArthur and the non-human animals she photographs. follows Marshall follows McArthur over the course of a year as she photographs several animal stories in parts of Canada, the U.S. and in Europe. The stories are a way for us to think about the social issue of animal rights. It also asks us to consider if these non-human animals are sentient beings deserving of rights, or if are they property to be owned and used, within the context of our unsatiable consumer driven world?
During the film’s premiere at Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival, I had the pleasure of chatting with filmmaker Liz Marshall. She shared some details about her process in making this film, as well as, other relevant aspects of the animal rights issue.
HM: How did the idea of focusing on Jo-Anne McArthur’s photography work come to be?
Liz Marshall (LM): I wanted to make a film about animal and our treatment towards animals. I did not want it to be just an ‘issue’ film, so I was looking for an angle to tell this story. I took notice of Jo-Anne’s photographic work and wanted to feature her images in the film. She agreed right away. When I began working on the film in the Fall of 2010, I realised Jo-Anne would make a great central story. By getting to know Jo-Anne and her work, it would be a great entry for people who may not know about the animal rights movement.
HM: What was it like to be ‘on the ground’ with Jo-Anne? And has she seen the final product?
LM: I’m used to working on films and people who work in the Human Rights arena, but this is an entirely different experience. It makes you realise how animals are reduced to ingredients, and it also reminds you that it happens in urban societies which we inhabit. This is all around us. Following Jo-Anne allowed me to film how she sees the world through her images.
She’s also seen the film and loves it! She feels really honoured. The film has certainly elevated her work to a new level; it’s getting noticed.
HM: I notice there is hardly any voice overs in the film. Was this something you had planned from the beginning?
LM: Yes, my ideas was to make a character-driven, verité, observational film. There is a thesis at the beginning and at the end, which bookends the story. In the beginning, we hear scientists define what ‘sentience’ means. We are all sentient; we feel, we are conscious… all animals are. This brings up the moral question of the film: “Are animals properties for humans to use or are they sentient beings?” At the end of the film, experts discuss the idea of property vs. sentience.This emerging social movement still needs more attention but it is morally significant.
HM: What’s next for this film?
LM: It is essential that projects like this one get seen. You have to be proactive as a filmmaker and get ‘on the ground’ with regards to promoting your film. The film has been picked up by IndieCAN Entertainment and will have a theatrical release at the end of May.
From the audience’s response during Hot Docs, this film will certainly be noticed and create lots of dialogue around the topic of animal rights. If you missed the film during the festival, no worries, there are some companion pieces on its website. You can learn more about this social movement; as well, you can find out more about living a “Ghost Free” lifestyle. And even more interesting is the interactive piece with Jo-Anne McArthur, which includes several chapters. Plenty of information to peruse and become more informed.
The Ghosts In Our Machine will have its theatrical release in Toronto at the Carlton Cinema. It will screen from May 31st through June 6th.
The reason I find this film interesting and why I suggest others see it is because it raises awareness, as Marshall agreed. It raises awareness about animal rights, about the work of Jo-Anne McCarthur, and others who support this social movement. This is one of the reasons why I enjoy watching documentaries during and after Hot Docs…it’s about learning.
