Anti-fur documentary 'Skin Trade' debuts with celebrity support in Westwood

"Skin Trade," a new independent documentary lambasting the fur industry and those who condone its practices, had its Los Angeles premiere Thursday night at the Majestic Crest Theater in Westwood.

The film, directed by Shannon Keith, an animal rights attorney and founder of the nonprofit organization Animal Rescue, Media & Education (ARME), strives to answer the question of why fur is still a part of modern fashion — despite the well-documented cruelties of fur farming.

"I just could not believe that people were still wearing fur," Keith said before the screening. "I knew it was high time to make this film because these animals are being tortured alive -- it's not a pretty thing."

And neither is the documentary, which shows graphic, disturbing footage of animals being tortured (in traps, by electrocution and even via fatal beatings) between interviews with a number of notable anti-fur activists, including Rep. Dennis J. Kucinich (D-Ohio), environmental attorney Jan Schlichtmann, designer Todd Oldham, PETA President Ingrid Newkirk, Overstock.com chief executive Patrick Byrne (who chooses not to sell fur on his website) and actor-activists including Alexandra Paul, James Cromwell and Jorja Fox.

In fact, there is so much abuse shown in the film, watching it — at least for me — became an exercise in self-editing. I had to cover my eyes numerous times just to give my senses a break from the brutal imagery (even so, I found myself tearing up a few times).

But then, showing horrific footage from mink farms is par for the course for animal rights organizations including PETA and the Animal Liberation Front. What makes "Skin Trade" a little different is its willingness to call out the fur industry's cagey public relations tactics.

For example, in recent years the industry has been referring to itself as "green," because skins and pelts are technically biodegradable. But in reality, making fur requires an enormous amount of toxic chemicals. "It's anything but green," actor and green activist Ed Begley Jr. says in the film. "That, for me, is green-washing."

The film also takes on the idea of fur as a status symbol. "These hip-hop stars, they're not enamored with fur," said anti-fur activist and former NBA player John Salley. "They're literally putting on an image, and the image is 'I've made it.'"

Cromwell, who starred in "Babe," one of the most famous animal movies of all time, boils the future of fur down to a simple equation. "We have a choice," he said. "The question is, 'Will human beings make the choice?' Just choose. Choose, and it ends."

-- Emili Vesilind

Photos: (left to right) Filmmaker Shannon Keith with Rep. Dennis Kucinich; Todd Oldham in a scene with his dog; Keith with actor-activist James Cromwell. Credit: ARME

Comments

[Jackie Vergerio]

A sobering, provocative, relevant film like "Skin Trade" is long overdue. Kudos to Shannon Keith for calling both the fur industry and public conscience to the table.

[elaine]

One of the most powerful films I've seen this year.

[Su]

"I just could not believe that people were still wearing fur" <-- my sentiments exactly. Tacky, dated, creepy. And oh, not green. How is killing an animal ever "green?" Talk about a new low.

[Jaya Bhumitra]

I'm so glad the Los Angeles Times is paying attention to such an important documentary. Just as "The Cove" revealed the gory truth about dolphin finning, "Skin Trade" exposes the truly horrific realities of the fur industry. The inconsiderate capture, inhumane care, and even crueler killing of foxes, lynxs, minks, chinchillas, coyotes, racoon dogs, seals, bears, cats, and dogs, was difficult for me to watch, but unequivocally more difficult for those animals to endure. Those images will never leave me, but I will be a more passionate advocate for having them ingrained in my brain.

[Tuesday Phillips]

This film is a must see! Shannon Keith and all the others who were involved in the making of this documentary really did an amazing job of exposing the corruption behind the fur industry, as well as revealing obscure information about what "faux" fur really is. Shocking stuff, but people need to know.

[Kevin]

I've seen this film a couple of times now, and as Shannon put it "I just could not believe that people were still wearing fur." Money talks, so as long as people continue to buy fur there will be awful people out there doing everything they can to profit from it. Every person who owns fur should be subject to witnessing this film and the unbelievably horrible lives and deaths of those poor animals.

[Deanna Dylan Scott]

I was at the screening and it was an incredible documentary. I cried my eyes out and was horrified at the horrendous torture and abuse. I just kept thinking of my 3 dogs.The faces of these animals as they were being skinned,electrocuted and kicked etc was beyond heartbreaking. BEYOND
When are people going to make the connection??Animals being caged in awful conditions and abused and ultimately killed in disturbing ways for human wants is WRONG!!!! It's heartless. There is no way around that fact.
There will always be creeps trying to exploit animals and people but if the average person stands up and says I will not pay for animal abuse of any kind the creeps have no motivation.Everyday people are funding animal abuse each day, all day by buying fur and also leather. Not to mention by eating the flesh of confined,abused,stressed out and eventually murdered animals.
Buy Pleather instead of leather.I cannot even stomach the thought of faux fur now that I know there is a big chance it is cat and dog fur from China. Unbelievable!!!!

Go veg!! It's the best. It's the coolest. I cannot even believe I ever ate a dead animal. It's pretty foul in general.

[kelly]

the film was a poignant eye opener to the atrocities that are ever present in the fur industry.

Bravo, Shannon your efforts at exposing the devastating truth behind this despicable industry.

[Cameron O'Steen]

While absolutely challenging to watch, it was also absolutely necessary for me to see "Skin Trade." I needed to bear witness to the horrors, the torture, that my animal brethren endure so that I may hold sacred space for them since I cannot release every last one.

Coming at the fur industry from multiple angles, this documentary unseats any misconception that one might hold that there is anything but horror in the creation of fur. Every designer who thinks it a luxurious touch to add fur to a collection needs to be given this movie.

[Bob Timmons]

Shannon Keith has done some amazing work from her first movie "Behind the Mask" to this masterpiece "Skintrade"! She has shown many angles of "Why" the fur industry should be shutdown for good and has many amazing well known people sharing their personal opinions about the horror fur industry! Thank you for the great read!

Bob

[Pixie Kastrup]

Such a heart wrenching fashion concept. It is fabulous to see that LA Times covering a film as important as this!!

[Kezia]

I agree it can be hard to watch. The quote by the late great Gretchen Wyler, paraphased last night, is "We must not refuse to see with our eyes what they must endure with their bodies." The important thing is you came, you saw, and you heard from the activists who want to stop the fur trade. We appreciate someone in your position being willing to listen.

[Kelly Shapiro]

Great comment, Deanna!

This is one of the most important and necessary films ever made. Everyone needs to see this! I can't imagine how anyone could walk away from this film without being deeply affected and without having a burning and resolute desire to work toward ending this cruelty.

[Sabine]

Thank you Shannon Keith, for this moving, disturbing, honest documentary. It would be impossible to believe anyone could or would choose to wear fur after witnessing the suffering that happens behind the scenes.

[denise degarmo-ritchie]

This is a very disturbing yet vital documentary that must be seen by everyone. The fact that fashion still thinks that fur is beautiful on humans needs to face the horrors that lead to that jacket or coat or hat. I have to believe that if every person who ever bought a fur, designed a fur piece, ran fashion editorials on fur pieces saw this documentary they would never be able to again. I think if one chooses to support the fur industry then man up, watch the documentary and face the reality of your decision

[Jennifer]

John Salley is right, wearing fur is done simply to project wealth. Those folks should just brand themselves... er, uh, tattoo themselves with dollar signs. It would be more honest and less horrific and selfish.

[Eco-Vegan Gal]

This movie is amazing. Though it is hard to watch at times, it is so important that people see the truth behind the fur industry. Shannon Keith and the other filmmakers involved did an incredible job with the film, and the Los Angeles premiere was a great hit. Please go see this movie and don't close your eyes. "We must not refuse to see with our eyes what they must endure with their bodies ."

[Shanon Elisabeth]

Graphic images of animals suffering are always a heart wrenching sight. I believe it's an cheap but effective way to convey a message. It's so shocking that it calls you to action. But the actions offered in this film aren't really the solution. The real crime against animals and nature as a whole is how we live today. What about the ountless number of wild and domestic animals that are senselessly killed every year by our roads. Would you really quit driving your car to get to work because of the deer, dogs, cats, raccoons, coyotes, birds, squirrels, and yes: children and adult. That are killed, maimed and essentially tortured by our modern lifestyles. It's easy to point your finger away from ourselves. And honestly I can no longer endorse PETA since I learned that they euthanize over 80% of the animals entrusted to them. Automatic death sentence does not equate to ethical treatment. I think that films like this are too narrow in their scope and unfortunately offer us only a bitter and emotionally gut wrenching sermon about the evils of the world. When the "church" it comes from itself is profitting directly from the torture as theY aquire revenue from ticket/DVD sales and increased donations. I'm grateful to say that life is not so black and white, but a myriad of colors. It's up to us to know the extent of ALL of our actions. Another tasteless film in the attempt to "inform and influence the public".

[Andy]

The idea that raising beautiful creatures for the purpose of ripping their skin off their bones for FASHION is absolutely disgusting. I'm not sure if I'm more appalled that this barbaric practice exists or that so many people justify the wearing of fur because they've been deluded into thinking that the animals were treated humanely. Skin Trade uncovers the horrors of the fur industry and sets the record straight through research, interviews, and undercover footage.

Did you know animals raised for fur are kept in tiny cages, starved, beaten and electrocuted before being skinned (often still alive)? Did you know faux fur items made in China actually contain dog/cat fur? Did you know clothing <$150 doesn't have to be labeled if it contains fur? All horrible, and all reality.

Make your voice heard and demand that your representatives vote for the TRUTH IN FUR LABELING ACT (H.R. 2480/S. 1076). Visit the Humane Society for details on the Act and how to ask your House and Senate reps to vote for it.

[Ian]

I am always a bit perplexed by the attention given to fur and not given to leather.

[alice in LALA Land]

LOL.. Overstock does not sell FUR.. but they do sell LEATHER all sorts of LEATHER.. when I called to order something I commented on the fact.. .. I was told that Overstock sold no "animal products' so I asked then why am I ordering these LEATHER shoes.?? I was told they are not leather.. so why then did it say .. LEATHER.. Leather is animal skin without the FUR.. same difference..needless to say.. I did not order.. why order something from a hypocrite like this? I bought the shoes elsewhere ( same price too).. oh and they also carry suede.. handbags.. shoes jackets.. etc.. suede is animal skin without the fur that has been "brushed" make it softer...not FUR.. you must be kidding..

[alice in LALA Land]

wearing fur is done simply to project wealth. Those folks should just brand themselves... er, uh, tattoo themselves with dollar signs.. says someone..

really.. tell that to the tribes of Eskimos who wear fur.. some of the poorest people on this planet..

[Julie van Niekerk]

Humanity towards animals are on the "EXTINCT LIST"

[alan herscovici]

Wonder how anyone could claim that fur is "green"? Check out www.FURisGREEN.com for another side of the story. If you choose to be vegetarian and don't want to wear fur, leather, silk or any other animal products, fine. But since 97% of Americans eat animals everyday, our concern should be whether animals we use are treated humanely and responsibly. Some videos on the web (e.g., of Asiatic raccoons being skinned while still alive) clearly show totally unacceptable activity -- but this is not in any way representative of general practice in the North American fur trade.