If I had to name one movie that I want everyone to see, including my family, friends and yoga students, it would be Earthlings. Then they would understand why I am so adamant that human beings, especially yogis, speak out on behalf of animals.

Earthlings: Nation Earth

I saw Earthlings with a friend. We are both yogis and animal advocates and have seen footage of slaughterhouses, fur farms and other atrocities in other documentaries. We thought we were mentally prepared to see this film. We were not. We both wept and had to take periodic breaks. Several weeks have passed and even now, when I lie down on my yoga bolster and close my eyes, I cannot get the images I saw on Earthlings out of my mind.

Written, produced and directed by Shaun Monson and narrated by Academy Award nominee Joaquin Phoenix, with music by platinum artist Moby, Earthlings is a feature-length documentary about humankind’s absolute economic dependence on animals raised as pets, food, clothing, entertainment and scientific research. Using hidden cameras and never-before-seen footage, Earthlings chronicles the day-to-day practices of some of the largest industries in the world, all of which rely entirely on animals for profit. It includes segments on pet stores, puppy mills and animal shelters, as well as factory farms, the leather and fur trades, sports and entertainment industries and experiments by the medical and scientific professions.

This is the most comprehensive documentary ever produced on the correlation between nature, animals and human economic interests and it is by far the most powerful and informative movie about society’s treatment of animals that I have ever seen. Although much of the movie is difficult to watch, there are many uplifting parts, especially at the beginning and end.

Earthlings is a masterpiece. If enlightenment begins with disillusionment, I guarantee you will be well on your way after you see Earthlings!

For more information about the film, visit www.nationearth.com

Suza Francina

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