about

At a time in contemporary culture when fur is making a comeback on the catwalks in Paris and unsuspecting consumers are buying “faux” dog and cat fur, ARME and Uncaged films are producing the unprecedented documentary film Skin Trade.

Through exclusive interviews and stories, the vast scope of the fur trade will be personalized for the audience. These interviews will represent voices from all walks of life who speak up for the anti-fur movement, including Hollywood celebrities, models, and rock stars who have have participated in fur-free campaigns; infamous clothing designers who have banned fur in their collections; politicians who are fighting for animal protection laws; and animal rights organizations such as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, and the Anti-Fur Society. Interviews will also include people who are for fur, such as retailers, designers, and fur farmers.

Dennis Kucinich and

Director Shannon Keith

Jorja Fox on set with her dogs

William McNamara

speaks out on fur trade

In addition, the film will profile civilian and direct-action activists who have risked their freedom to fight for animal rights. One such activist is Peter Young. Recently released from prison, Peter Young set the precedent for animal rights activists when he stood in front of the court on November 17, 2005, and pled guilty to freeing 8,000 mink from several fur farms. At that moment, he brought a brutal industry to the forefront by standing up for his beliefs and risking his own freedom for the cause. Rather than pleading to the court for clemency, he stated, “I don't wish to validate this proceeding by begging for mercy or appealing to the conscience of the court, because I know if this system had a conscience I would not be here, and in my place would be all fur farmers of the world.”

Peter Young - Liberationist

These interviews and personal stories enable people to realize that each and every individual voice makes a difference.

About the Film

Skin Trade will explore every aspect of the fur industry. This includes: how the animals are bred, raised, and trapped - with particular attention to anal and genital electrocution; the killing methods; the international fur trade including fur farms in the United States, seal hunts in Canada, and dog and cat fur in China; the interpretation of laws and regulations; the clothing industry; and anti-fur activism.

Skin Trade crew shoots

Fur Free Friday

Baby Canadian seal

Undercover fur investigation

Raccoon Dog

used for fur

To accompany the film, a special features section on the DVD will have a short educational piece on the hard facts about fur, a shopping guide and pointers on warm and fashionable clothing that is cruelty free, a list of designers who do and do not use fur, and examples on how to write an effective letter to companies requesting a no-fur policy. In addition, a drop center will be established for people to relinquish their fur products to be donated to the homeless or used to aid in the recovery of abused and abandoned animals; therefore, this film is also vehicle for an ongoing campaign to abolish fur.