Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibilitySentient | 2026 Sundance Film Festival
Accessibility

World Cinema Documentary Competition

Sentient

sd_star_fav_icon
Australia2026105 minEnglish
Sentient

An investigation into laboratory research on animals exposes a hidden world in which it’s not just the animals getting hurt. The story of Dr. Lisa Jones Engel, a primatologist turned animal welfare advocate, asks whether harming animals and ourselves in science’s name is justified.

+ More

An investigation into laboratory research on animals exposes a hidden world in which it’s not just the animals getting hurt. The story of Dr. Lisa Jones Engel, a primatologist turned animal welfare advocate, asks whether harming animals and ourselves in science’s name is justified.

Animal testing, specifically on primates, has long been controversial, but its supposed necessity for medical breakthroughs has made many in the medical community and general public accept it. Sentient questions this assumption with an open mind and deep research, drawing on evidence and testimony from people on the front lines of animal experimentation around the world, some of whom have been traumatized by what theyve seen and done. With disturbing footage from highly secretive laboratories and a rigorous approach that includes conflicting voices, a complicated portrait of the efficacy of animal testing for the betterment of humankind emerges. Director Tony Jones asks us to consider, with great empathy to animals and humans alike: While we might have a need to test on animals, do we have a right? — SS

This film contains mature content and is not recommended for audiences 17 and under.

Available in person. Also available online for the public (January 29–February 1) and credentialed press and industry (January 28–February 1). 

World Cinema Documentary CompetitionAll FeaturesScience & TechnologyNonfictionClosed CaptionOpen CaptionU.S. Only- less

Credits

  • Director(s)

    Tony Jones

  • Screenwriter

    Tony Jones

    Rachel Grierson-Johns

  • Producer

    Ivan O’Mahoney

  • Executive Producer

    Sarah Ferguson

  • Editor

    Rachel Grierson-Johns

  • Additional Editor

    Orly Danon

  • Composer

    Helena Czajka

  • Directors of Photography

    Andy Taylor

    Aaron Smith

    Vanessa Carr

  • Sound Design and Mix by

    Nigel Christensen

  • Archival Producer

    Susan Parry

  • Field Producer

    Lin Buckfield

  • Company

    In Films

  • Website
  • Contact

    Ivan O’Mahoney

    ivan@in-films.com

    61400402726

Meet the Artist

Panelist Name

Tony Jones

    Tony Jones is the former host of several Australian current affairs TV programs. As an investigative reporter and foreign correspondent, he won seven Walkley Awards. He covered the end of Soviet communism, the Balkan wars, the Gulf War, the rise of the Afghanistan mujahideen, and the end of South Africa’s apartheid.

    You May Also Like

    World Cinema Documentary Competition
    sd_banner_img

    Silenced

    FilmUnFillFavIcon

    After #MeToo broke the cultural silence on gender violence, international human rights lawyer Jennifer Robinson fights against the weaponization of defamation laws to silence survivors.

    (1hr 37mins)
    World Cinema Documentary Competition
    sd_banner_img

    Kikuyu Land

    FilmUnFillFavIcon

    As a Nairobi journalist probes a land battle entangling the local government and a powerful multinational corporation, covered wounds are revealed and family secrets are exposed.

    (1hr 36mins)
    Episodic
    sd_banner_img

    Murder 101

    FilmUnFillFavIcon

    A case that haunted Tennessee’s best detectives for decades is cracked wide open with the help of some unlikely investigators: a high school sociology class.

    (1hr 2mins)
    World Cinema Documentary Competition
    sd_banner_img

    One In A Million

    FilmUnFillFavIcon

    Directing Award: World Cinema Documentary | Itab Azzam & Jack MacInnes

    Filmed over 10 years, one girls epic journey from Syria to Germany and back again. She and her family navigate war, exile, and heartbreak in a foreign land, illuminating the complexities of the refugee experience.

    (1hr 42mins)

    FESTIVAL HOST STATE

    Sponsor

    FESTIVAL HOST STATE

    FESTIVAL HOST STATE

    FESTIVAL HOST STATE