TIFF 2024: Collective Monologue Movie Trailer
Jessica Sarah Rinland’s latest film, Collective Monologue, is set to make its North American premiere at TIFF 2024, offering a deep, introspective look at the relationship between humans and animals. With her signature documentary style, Rinland takes us through the hidden world of Buenos Aires zoos and animal shelters, revealing the layers of connection, care, and complexity within these institutions.
Exploring the Human-Animal Bond in Zoos
At first glance, zoos may seem like simple places where visitors come to observe animals. But as Collective Monologue shows, they are much more than that. Rinland’s film focuses on the unseen — the intricate interactions between humans and animals, the unspoken bonds, and the daily lives of those who care for these creatures.
Zookeeper Maca, who has dedicated over 20 years to caring for animals at the Buenos Aires Ecopark, is one of the central figures. Through Maca’s perspective, we witness how interspecies relationships form, transcend language, and challenge traditional boundaries between humans and animals.
16mm Footage and Archival Insights
One of the most visually captivating aspects of Collective Monologue is Rinland’s use of 16mm footage. The grainy, intimate style pulls us closer to the animals and the environment they inhabit, offering a raw yet beautiful portrayal of life within the zoo. Nocturnal creatures, like anteaters, are caught on surveillance cameras, adding an intriguing, almost mysterious element to the film.
Rinland doesn’t stop at modern-day depictions of zoos. She incorporates archival footage, offering historical context on how zoos and animal shelters have evolved over time. This opens the door to discussions on broader topics such as labour, gender roles, and the colonial history that has shaped how humans control and manage the natural world.
A Meditative and Fragmented Approach
Unlike typical documentaries, Collective Monologue is deliberately fragmented, allowing the viewer to pause and reflect on the scenes presented. Rinland’s narrative is precise, yet she leaves space for personal interpretation, making this film as much about our internal reflections as it is about what’s shown on screen.
This structure invites questions about the way we look at animals and how we share the world with them. Are zoos a form of care or control? How do we justify the enclosures? And what does it say about us as humans? These are just a few of the thought-provoking themes Rinland expertly weaves throughout Collective Monologue.
Why You Should Watch at TIFF 2024
If you’re a fan of documentaries that go beyond the surface, Collective Monologue is a must-see at TIFF 2024. Rinland has a way of making viewers think deeply about the world around them, and this film is no exception. It offers a rare glimpse into the day-to-day reality of zoos and animal shelters, while also raising broader questions about humanity’s role in the natural world.
With a blend of tender moments, administrative details, and archival exploration, this documentary will captivate those who are passionate about animals, the environment, and thought-provoking cinema.
Catch Collective Monologue at TIFF 2024
Be sure to mark your calendars for these screenings:
- Sunday, September 8: TIFF Lightbox at 3:15 pm
- Monday, September 9: Scotiabank Theatre Toronto at 11:35 am
- Monday, September 9: Scotiabank Theatre Toronto (Press & Industry) at 3:05 pm
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