MAN SAVES DUCK, DUCK SAVES MAN

MAN SAVES DUCK, DUCK SAVES MAN

Farm Sanctuary's Message of Compassion and Redemption Part of the Big Picture in Acclaimed Film Opening August 24 in Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Farm Sanctuary, the nation's leading farm animal protection organization, applauds independent filmmaker Nic Bettaur and actor Philip Baker Hall for standing up for ducks by voicing their opposition to foie gras. Nic Bettaur's film, DUCK, starring Philip Baker Hall, premieres August 24 at Landmark E Street Cinema 8 -- Washington, DC.

"I have to believe that if people would allow themselves to be educated as to what foie gras truly entails, which is difficult, I know, most would stop consuming it cold." Nic Bettaur said. "So too, if people were sensitized as to just how cool and copacetic ducks are, the thought of eating their force-fed, fatty livers should be frankly unthinkable."

Philip Baker Hall puts it simply, "I have never eaten foie gras, and the prospect does not hold any interest for me."

DUCK exemplifies the message of compassion and interconnection that have been at the center of Farm Sanctuary's work for over twenty years. The story of a retired, widowed professor befriended by a duck in need of a pond; the movie reveals the complex and empathetic relationship between humans and animals. DUCK is a story of hope and survival with the resounding and irrefutable message that all life must be respected.

"I loved the message of the film," said Farm Sanctuary President Gene Baur, "It really shows the public what it's like to have a relationship with a so-called 'food animal' that's not based on cruelty or commodification. This is an especially important film right now, when people worldwide are calling for foie gras to be banned."

Ducks used in foie gras production are de-beaked, de-toed and forced to live in confinement in filthy, poorly-maintained cages or pens, and have a nutritionally incomplete gruel pumped down their throats through a metal pipe several times a day. This force feeding is known to cause bruising, lacerations, sores, ruptures, and even death. It also creates the grossly oversized and diseased "fatty liver" for which foie gras is named. Gasping, vomiting and struggling to move, the birds endure this process every day at the end of their short lives.

To learn more about DUCK visit http://www.duckthemovie.com/ to learn more about foie gras visit http://www.nofoiegras.org/.

About Farm Sanctuary

Farm Sanctuary is the nation's leading farm animal protection organization. Since incorporating in 1986, Farm Sanctuary has worked to expose and stop cruel practices of the "food animal" industry through research and investigations, legal and institutional reforms, public awareness projects, youth education, and direct rescue and refuge efforts. Farm Sanctuary shelters in Watkins Glen, N.Y., and Orland, Calif., provide lifelong care for hundreds of rescued animals, who have become ambassadors for farm animals everywhere by educating visitors about the realities of factory farming. Additional information can be found at http://www.farmsanctuary.org/ or by calling 607-583-2225.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Farm Sanctuary

CONTACT: Cara Hoffman of Farm Sanctuary, +1-607-583-2225 ext. 254,
choffman@farmsanctuary.org

Web Site:

http://www.duckthemovie.com/
http://www.farmsanctuary.org/
http://www.nofoiegras.org/

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