“Skin Trade”: Fur Industry Documentary Premiers in LA

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LA premier of new film from Shannon Keith, director of Behind the Mask

The same week that saw the premier of the A.L.F.-themed narrative Bold Native, the director of the A.L.F. documentary Behind the Mask premiered her new fur industry expose: Skin Trade.

Several hundred people filled the Majestic Theater in Westwood, California for the public premier of the first feature-length film to expose the fur industry. Members of the media, activists, voices from the film, and the general public came out to see the much-anticipated follow-up to Behind the Mask. The film was followed by a talk from director Shannon Keith, and several people from the film giving perspectives on the fur industry and other animal issues.

Skin Trade brings together voices from the underground, celebrities, historians, native americans, activists, designers, and fashion icons; each addressing the horrors of the fur industry. Admirably not bowing to pressure to “mainstream” her film, Shannon Keith also dedicated a segment to the work of the Animal Liberation Front.

Skin Trade will have many screenings nationwide in the coming months. View upcoming screenings here, see the trailer here, and buy the DVD here.

– Peter Young

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Bold Native Sells Out Los Angeles Premier

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First feature film with an A.L.F. storyline sells out its premier in Los Angeles.

Far from the farms and labs where the A.L.F. does its work, 400 people gathered in Los Angeles last week for the premier of Bold Native. I was fortunate enough to attend the screening which included speakers, and a Q & A with the filmmakers and cast. Hundreds of people left with copies of Bite Back Magazine, and perhaps a clearer understanding of the A.L.F.s motives – and the plight of non-human animals in general.

To capitalize on the energy created by the film, the filmmakers followed the screening with speakers addressing how people can get involved to help animals. Speakers included activists from Last Chance for Animals, Farm Sanctuary, Band of Mercy Los Angeles, and attorney Matthew Strugar on the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act.

Bold Native follows the protagonist Charlie Cranehill, an underground A.L.F. organizer, as he orchestrates a nationwide coordinated A.L.F. action with over 30 targets. The film generated significant buzz in anticipation of its release that only increased with the film’s debut and (current) west coast tour.

This week, the film has additional screenings in Portland (June 24th) and Seattle (June 29th).

That a film like Bold Native is being received by mainstream audiences is a testimony to the quality of the script, and to the falsehood of beliefs that many tactics of the A.L.F. do not enjoy broad-based support.

Bold Native will be making the rounds with screenings across the country in the coming months. Contact Bold Native to set up screenings in your area, and support this landmark film.

– Peter Young

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Bold Native trailer premier – first fictionalized A.L.F. film

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(With the loss of computers, I am having to stack multiple updates. Please do not miss today’s important animal liberation prisoner update, just below this post)

Bold Native has received a tremendous amount of buzz in advance of its release. The film is a fictionalized A.L.F. story of a man being hunted by the government for animal liberation activity, attempting to orchestrate a massive multi-state action before being captured by the FBI. Most cast members are vegetarian or vegan, and the film is produced, directed, and edited by dedicated vegans.

I watched a sneak-preview of the film, and know this is going to take a special place in the movement’s history. While slated for a summer release, the trailer has just debuted. I think this one is going to be huge.

-Peter Young

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Lights, Camera, Direct Action: Two Upcoming Animal Liberation Films

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When mainstream film producers begin to examine the underground animal liberation movement in an objective or positive light, the consciousness of the broader public may not be far behind.

Two upcoming films explore animal liberation activism outside the confines of the law.

Bold Native is a fictional account of a fugitive animal liberator resurfacing to orchestrate a nationwide action of simultaneous animal liberations coordinated among numerous cells before he is captured by the FBI.

I was given the Bold Native script while it was in pre-production, and knew immediately this one was coming from the heart. There are some things that can’t be faked. I later had the good fortune of working with the actors, directors and writers of this film, and couldn’t be more excited for this one to see the light of day. Bold Native has completed filming, and everyone is now crossing their fingers for it’s acceptance into Sundance. Look for Bold Native (and my acting debut) on the film festival circuit in 2010.

A second film, Direct Action Movie, (working title) is still in the early stages, but a short trailer is up here. A description from the treatment: (more…)

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