Monólogo colectivo

This sensitive and intimate documentary, set in Argentinian zoos and rescue centres, observes the everyday interactions and strong affective bonds between animals and those who take care of their needs with disarming attention and devotion.

Monólogo colectivo – a title borrowed from psychologist Jean Piaget – focuses on workers of several Argentinian zoos and rescue centres devoted to the care of all kinds of animals. Jessica Sarah Rinland, who is in charge of the direction, cinematography and editing of this sensitive documentary, has an approach that is visually concentrated (favouring closeness and attention), aurally inventive (mixing urban sounds, a symphony of animal noises, and radio and phone conversations about managerial issues), structurally fragmented and free flowing.

The film carefully observes the interactions between humans and animals in a series of intimate vignettes: collective meetings between the workers, the tasks of feeding and cleaning, the preparations necessary for the transport of animals, moments of absolute tenderness and affection. At the same time, Monólogo colectivo introduces us to the evolution of several of these institutions, by tracing some of their historical archives and changing architecture. But what’s most precious in Monólogo colectivo is the portrait of the charged, affective bond between the captive animals and those dedicated to caring for them with disarming attention and devotion.

– Cristina Álvarez López

Trailer

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