Star-studded Animal Rights Documentary to Screen for Free in Wollongong.

Image Source: Dominion Media Photos

The UOW Vegan Society (VEGSOC) will screen animal rights documentary Dominion on Thursday 25th October at the University of Wollongong (UOW) campus.

The free screening aims to educate Wollongong locals on the animal cruelty committed by the Australian meat industry.

Priscilla Huynh, president of VEGSOC, wants to spread awareness and compassion for animal welfare by encouraging a vegan diet.

“We want to educate as many people as we can in the hope that they take action and align their actions with their beliefs,” Ms Huynh said.

Jessica Butt, who had struggled to stick to a strict vegan diet, said Dominion helped her to commit. Butt believed the Australian meat industry killed animals humanely. After watching the trailer, she began to reconsider her values.

“I saw footage of the mother cow chasing her calf. It literally crushed me and a switch went off in my brain,” Butt said.

“I saw chickens, cows, pigs and fish all as my dog – a loving, caring, innocent being.”

“It [the film] turned me completely. I started crying before the movie even started. I didn’t stop the whole time.”

Thursday will be the third time VEGSOC screens the film. 120 people attended the first screening however, Hyun does not expect such a large crowd this time around. In an attempt to raise awareness on a mass scale, the official website for Dominion has offered free online access since October 10.

Chris Delforce, the documentary’s director, used drones, hidden and handheld cameras to expose the meat industry over seven years. It claims to be an honest portrayal of mankind’s dominion over the animal kingdom hence the film’s title.

The documentary is a sequel to Delforce’s 2014 Lucent which won multiple humanitarian awards for exposing the cruel standards accepted by the Australian pig-farming industry.

Dominion has had high-profile support with celebrities including singer-songwriter Sia, actor Joaquin Phoenix and actress Rooney Mara narrating the film.

As an animal activist, Delforce encourages fellow vegans to fight for animal rights. By providing them with useful information and proof, the director hopes vegans can better educate the public.

Last year UOW was voted Australia’s most vegan-friendly university by PETA. VEGSOC hopes to keep this title in the new year with regular film screenings, BBQ fundraisers and educational picnic days.