Allison Argo
Filmmaker
Three Classes
1:30 – 3:30
Oct. 30, Nov. 6, 13
Allison Argo’s moving films have won over 100 awards internationally, including six national Emmys, duPont Columbia, and dozens of awards from New York to Japan. Allison is known for her emotionally-charged and deeply personal films—in particular her intimate portraits of abused and endangered animals. The nearly two dozen films she’s produced, directed and written have all been broadcast by PBS and/or National Geographic and have reached audiences worldwide. Her current film, Forever Home, continues Allison’s mission to provide a voice for those who are not heard and to deepen respect for all beings. Allison will share three of her films, discuss the story behind each, and take your questions. www.argofilms.com
10/30: Crash: A Tale of Two Species
Each year a small shorebird must make a 10,000-mile journey from the southern tip of South America to its nesting grounds in the Arctic—one of the longest migrations on earth. This pocket-sized traveler times its journey to precisely coincide with the annual spawning of one of earth’s most ancient creatures: the horseshoe crab. Red knots depend on horseshoe crab eggs to fuel their epic journey, but
collection of the crabs by the fishing and biomedical industries have pushed both creatures to the brink. As the fate of two extraordinary creatures teeters on the edge, humankind must grapple with the economics and politics of extinction.
11/6: Chimpanzees: An Unnatural History
Chimpanzees have lived among us for well over a century. They’ve entertained us, served as human stand-ins for medical science and even traveled into space. But what happens when chimps outlive their usefulness? This emotionally gripping film carries us into the lives of seven chimpanzees living in North America. Mercifully, awareness is growing for our closest living relatives and a lucky few are emerging from the shadows. This is a story of second chances.
11/13: The Last Pig
For over a decade, Bob Comis has provided a humane—even idyllic—life for the pigs he farms. But as he tends to his charges, he develops a closeness that begins to haunt him, and his weekly trips to the slaughterhouse become unbearable. With 250 pigs on the farm, Comis suddenly finds himself trapped by his past and facing a precarious future. His soul-baring narrative carries us through his final year of farming pigs as he questions the sanctity of life, equality, and the value of compassion.
