Planet in Focus '19 Film Review- Tiere Und Andere Menschen (Animals and Other People)

A series of  animals bumping along in cages in the back of a vehicle greets the viewer at the opening of Tiere Und Andere Menschen (Animals and Other People). The outside sounds of wind and the traffic can be heard as they travel along to an unknown destination. The motion stops followed by the titular card then the first of what will become a series of animal entry triages to the  Wiener Tierschutzverein (Viennese Animal Protection Society). A crane is first up. Three staff inspect it for injuries, obstructions and foreign bodies determine if it can stand or if an X-ray is required then ask the driver where it was found and what happened to it. A small rabbit follows then an even smaller cat where we first see eye ointment is used for the first time mainly to see if there is any blinking in the animal.

The relationship between animals and humans is explored through a rare behind the counter view of an animal shelter. The staff take calls from the public, answer owners' questions, treat the injured, take in rescues, along unwanted hoping that adoptions balance out the arrivals. It's more about matching up humans and animals for the best chance of success. Do you have any small children? Other animals at home? Are you in the heart of the noisy city? Any height or weight restraints where you live?

The most interesting inhabitants are the long term apes. They are the alphas of the facility with staff often sitting outside of their cages paying them extra attention. Some employees become too attached which can be an issue at triage through to dealing with those that have passed the one year mark signifying an extended stay. The outside green spaces and pens along with quite large indoor quarters for the larger animals serve to avoid that cramped puppy mill feel so prevalent in North America.

Regular team meetings occur to review the status of each animal similar to what would occur in a hospital. Are any medications taken? If its a dog is being discussed, how does it react to people males vs females? children? other animals? Any physical changes or behaviour that may require further attention when the vet comes to visit. School kids come though on class trips to learn about the animals, everyday dangers to be aware of plus there are classes for adults looking to adopt that give clues to what an animal is trying to communicate through gestures, body language, and eye movement.

Everyday life at an animal shelter is tactfully explored in Tiere Und Andere Menschen (Animals and Other People). The staff treats every animal from the cutest bunny to a slithering snake with love, dignity, and affection. Strong connections are formed but never cross the line to cloud better judgment. It's a quiet insightful look at the facility where director Flavio Marchetti often just set up a stationary camera and let the bustling activity in shelter effectively tell the story.

*** 1/2  Out of 4.

Tiere Und Andere Menschen (Animals and Other People) | Flavio Marchetti | Austria | 2017 | 88 Minutes.

Tags: Vienna, Animal Shelter, Triage, Animal Rescue, X-Ray, Diagnosis, Adoption, Surgery, Feeding Time, Release.