Storyline
Trophy is a startling exploration of the evolving relationship between big-game hunting and wildlife conservation that will leave you debating what is right, what is wrong and what is necessary in order to save the great species of the world from extinction.
Trophy was well-received at the SXSW Film Festival last night. It
presents a surprisingly nuanced picture of the complexity of a subject
that is usually viewed through memes and brief clips about the killing
of Cecil the Lion. The filmmakers provide a nuanced and complicated
explanation of the issues around the economics and conservation of wild
game. They spent a long time filming and interviewing some of the
participants in this complex industry. They clearly show those who are
there simply to assuage their egos – and usually their masculinity – by
killing lions and rhinos. They show those who seek to profit off of
commodify these beautiful animals. But they also show those who are
trying to save these animals and sometimes are doing so in surprising
ways. The positive effects on the local African economy are also worth
observing. I was particularly intrigued by John Hume who has preserved
hundreds of rhinos, but is trying to sell the rhino horns (which are
removed from living animals) in order to support his rhino preserve.
Ironically, the laws that are designed to save the rhinos by banning
the sale of the horns are creating a black market and may be
endangering them.
I can't say that I came away more sympathetic to the big game hunters
who seem to be killing wild beasts more for their own pleasure than to
help conserve them. Human beings need to live in greater harmony with
these great animals rather than kill them for sport. It isn't sporting
and it isn't fair competition. I don't see how the benefits outweigh
the costs. Living creatures shouldn't be murdered as commodities of the
market.
The filmmakers exploration is commendable. They are trying to educate
the public on a complex issue. The African filming in South Africa and
elsewhere is beautiful. I did find that it ran a little long and
probably needs to be shortened from its current 108 minutes. The film
is scheduled to run on CNN and I hope that it gets a wide audience
which begins to help those on either side of a polarized issue begin to
re-examine the complexity of the situation so that we can work to
better preserve these animals and regulate their environment and
protect them from poachers and others seeking to exploit them for ego
and profit.
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