Animal testing is a moral and ethical minefield for some. There are those who would defend the right of companies to test their products on animals. In so doing they would cite numerous reasons why such medieval practices remain essential. Amongst those who stand in opposition include writer director Spencer Susser, who has teamed up with The Humane Society to produce Save Ralph.
A short film which introduces audiences to a longer term tester Ralph. A rabbit voiced by Taiki Waititi who sees his job as essential to human existence. Master puppet maker Andy Gent breathes life into deeply human creation, bringing home his heart wrenching story. With a cast list which includes Ricky Gervais, Zac Efron and Pom Klementieff the intention is to make some noise.
Spencer Susser and Andy Gent recently took time to talk to Martin Carr about their involvement and why this topic needs a big audience.
Watch the full film here:
About Humane Society International
With a presence in more than 50 countries, Humane Society International works around the globe to promote the human-animal bond, rescue and protect dogs and cats, improve farm animal welfare, protect wildlife, promote animal-free testing and research, respond to natural disasters and confront cruelty to animals in all of its forms. Help end cosmetics testing on animals and sign The Humane Society’s petition here: https://secure.humanesociety.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&id=7773&page=UserAction&s_src=hsi_advo_save_ralph_us_hca&utm_campaign=save_ralph_2021
Ricky Gervais, Save Ralph Actor, says, “Animal testing just makes me angry. There’s no justification for dripping chemicals in rabbits’ eyes or force-feeding them to rats just to make lipsticks and shampoo. Science has evolved enough to give us non-animal solutions to end this terrible cruelty—it’s time for our humanity to catch up.”
Taika Waititi, Save Ralph Actor, tweeted ahead of the launch: “This is a cool thing that is coming soon. If you don’t watch it and love it then you hate animals and we can’t be friends anymore. #SaveRalph.”
Spencer Susser, Writer and Director of Save Ralph, says: “Animals in cosmetic testing labs don’t have a choice and it’s our responsibility to do something about it. When the opportunity came up to create a new campaign for Humane Society International, I felt that stop motion was the perfect way to deliver the message. When you see the horrifying reality of the way animals are treated, you can’t help but look away. What I was hoping to do with this film was create something that delivers a message without being too heavy handed. I hope that audiences fall in love with Ralph and want to fight for him and other animals like him, so we can ban animal testing once and for all.”
Puppet master and set designer, Andy Gent says: “I think the beauty of animation is that you can tell very complex stories and bring them to life in a non-threatening and educational way. In our miniature world of models and puppets using stop motion filmmaking we hope to bring attention to this mission to stop animal testing for cosmetics. We’re all very passionate about what we do, and it’d be very nice to think that this project to Save Ralph will have a greater, wider effect.”
Troy Seidle, HSI’s vice president for research and toxicology, says: “It’s easy to assume that companies are the problem, but the truth is they are a vital part of the solution. It’s laws that need to be changed, and industry leaders like Lush, Unilever, L’Oreal, P&G, and Avon are working with us to secure meaningful animal testing bans in many of the world’s most influential beauty markets. We’ve recruited Ralph as our spokesbunny to help get these laws over the finish line.”
