In an attempt to better understand our closest genealogical relative (and perhaps amuse ourselves in the meantime), Primate Cinema has opened to the eager eyes and ears of both common chimpanzees and Edinburgher audience members.
The exhibition, entitled Primate Cinema: Apes as Family, is the brain child of Rachel Mayeri and ostensibly the first inter-species entertainment. The installation involves placing television screens into the chimp conservatory of the Edinburgh Zoo, which is already loaded with one-way mirrors. Once the hominid residents have gathered around the TVs, zoo curators begin airing a specially made film that follows a female chimpanzee struggling with idea like territory, sex, status and food. The installation tells two astounding stories: one of humans filming a movie for chimpanzees and the other told by the subsequent chimps' reactions to the film.
Although you may have missed the exhibition in Edinburgh, Primate Cinema will appear as a solo installation in London's Arts Catalyst from October 19 to November 13, 2011. Come check it out!
Hominid Movie Houses
Primate Cinema Helps Us to Understand Chimps and Enjoy a Laugh Simultaneously
Trend Themes
1. Inter-species Entertainment - Developing entertainment experiences that cater to both animals and humans could prove to be a lucrative and unique opportunity for the entertainment industry.
2. Animal-centered Media - Creating media content specifically designed to appeal and engage with animals could lead to new opportunities for zoos and wildlife organizations to educate visitors and improve animal welfare.
3. Ethological Storytelling - Using storytelling to share knowledge and insights into animal behavior could open up new possibilities for science communication and education.
Industry Implications
1. Entertainment - The entertainment industry could explore new opportunities for inter-species entertainment, providing unique and educational experiences for both animals and humans.
2. Zoos and Wildlife Organizations - Zoos and wildlife organizations could create animal-centered media to entertain and educate visitors, while improving the welfare of the animals in their care.
3. Science Communication and Education - Using ethological storytelling to share insights into animal behavior could enhance science communication and education, particularly in fields such as zoology and biology.