LIDF

In 2002, ‘Gaston’ the Seal escaped from Prague Zoo during a flood and managed to swim to Germany before being re-captured. Gaston became a hero, “The most famous animal on Earth” and even had a statue erected in his honour at the zoo.

But why elevate this particular animal to such cult status when at the same time seals, once widespread throughout Europe, are now an endangered species?

Is it acceptable that instead of seals on the beaches of the Mediterranean there are now sun-tanning tourists? Or that you can book a seal-hunting trip through a travel agent?

This eye opening film highlights the profound changes in the relationship between humans and animals and suggests that we are approaching a time when it will be impossible to see animals in their natural habitat.

Director Novak explores how this shift has affected our view of both animals and of ourselves and poses a frightening question – in the future, will every animal be domesticated?