The meat industry is reportedly ‘braced for a blacklash‘ following screenings of Australian documentary Dominion.

The feature-length film directed by Chris Delforce and co-produced by Earthlings director Shaun Monson focuses on how animals are used and abused in Australia, looking at human interaction with animals in the fields of scientific research, entertainment, clothing and food. It features footage from abattoirs and farms.

Reaction to the film has been powerful – the premiere sold out, with 900 people attending. Prolific vegan activist James Aspey broke down on stage after watching the film, calling it ‘the most intense film I’ve ever seen’.

Criticism

But pro-animal agriculture groups have blasted film, saying it presents a biased view, and calling its representation of the meat industry ‘upsetting’.

Australian Meat Industry Council Chief Executive, Patrick Hutchinson, said: “What the film shows is not representative of the practices of the wider industry.

“The vast majority of businesses and the vast majority of their employees are deeply committed to ensuring the most humane experience possible for animals.”

‘Horrific’

The film’s director Chris Delforce says he is inspired by sharing the real picture of animal agriculture.

In an interview with PBN, he said: “What drives me is the things I’ve seen – the scale and horrific nature of these industries. I know what’s happening day-in, day-out across this country and around the world.

“Having seen levels of suffering that most people don’t even know exist, it’s hard to not want to do everything you can.”

As revealed recently by PBN, Earthlings director Shaun Monson has joined the production team, and vegan actors Joaquin Pheonix and Rooney Mara will narrate the film.

The film is currently being screened in various countries. You canfind out more here