Beasts of Burden
Friday 23rd November, 7.00pm - 8.15pm
@ Fox Studios Australia, Building 16, 38 Driver Ave, Moore Park NSW 2021
Beasts of Burden
Dir. Daniel Mason
Country: USA, Thailand
Runtime: 43 mins
Synopsis: The film explores the complicated and dangerous business of "Elephant Tourism" in Thailand and surrounding countries. Every year millions of tourists from around the world visit Thailand in hopes of relaxing on the most beautiful beaches in the world, eating delicious street food, and seeing these incredible animals up close. Little thought is given to how these animals came to be in the tourism industry or how they are treated. Less thought is given to the working conditions of the Mahouts who care for these massive animals 24/7, for little to no pay, and who sometimes have to place them selves between tired and overworked Elephants and Tourists.
After each film there will be a minute-long break, during which we invite the audience to complete scorecards. The cards go towards the scoring of the films and are sent directly to the filmmakers to provide insight into the audience's response.