Watch I Am an Animal: The Story of Ingrid Newkirk and PETA

I Am an Animal: The Story of Ingrid Newkirk and PETA is a documentary film that explores the life and work of animal rights activist Ingrid Newkirk and the organization she founded, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). The documentary follows Newkirk's journey from a young girl growing up in India to one of the most influential and controversial figures in the animal rights movement.

The film begins with a glimpse into Newkirk's childhood in India, where she developed a deep love and respect for animals. As a child, she rescued and cared for injured and abandoned animals, and this passion continued into her adult life. In the 1970s, she moved to the United States and began working as an animal protection lobbyist, eventually leading her to start PETA in 1980.

Throughout the film, we see the various methods and campaigns that PETA uses to raise awareness and advocate for animal rights. From graphic displays of animal cruelty to celebrity endorsements and undercover investigations, PETA has become known for its controversial tactics. The film examines the impact of these tactics and explores the criticisms that PETA has faced over the years, including accusations of extremism and hypocrisy.

In addition to Newkirk, the documentary also features interviews with various PETA employees, as well as fashion designer Marc Bouwer and animal rights advocate Ralph Dell. Bouwer discusses his decision to stop using fur in his designs, while Dell recounts his experience as an undercover investigator for PETA, where he witnessed the appalling mistreatment of animals in laboratories and factory farms.

The film also highlights some of PETA's most famous campaigns, including their anti-fur and anti-circus campaigns, as well as their controversial "I'd Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur" campaign featuring celebrities like Pamela Anderson. Anderson herself is featured in the documentary, discussing her involvement with PETA and her own passion for animal rights.

Overall, I Am an Animal: The Story of Ingrid Newkirk and PETA provides an insightful and thought-provoking look into the world of animal rights activism. It presents a balanced view of the controversies surrounding PETA's methods and tactics, while also celebrating the organization's successes and the passion of those who work there. Whether you are a long-time animal rights advocate or simply curious about the subject, this documentary is sure to inspire and educate.

I Am an Animal: The Story of Ingrid Newkirk and PETA is a 2007 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 12 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.