PREMIERS IN LONDON

Jerome Flynn, narrator of HOGWOOD – a modern horror story, joined us for the exclusive VIP London premier of our award-winning documentary at the Prince Charles Cinema, Leicester Square Other viewings took place in Bristol and Exeter

Although traumatic and upsetting to watch, it was one of those occasions that you just remember being there, the sense of place, its importance and the real feeling of belonging with all who were present that evening

Introducing the film was Jerome Flynn, who talked about the need to end factory farming, while thanking Juliet and Viva! for the tireless work over the years to improve the lives of animals and people Viva! founder, Juliet Gellatley, spoke about going undercover to bring this footage to light while highlighting Viva!’s ongoing campaigns and investigations into factory farming.

Following the screening, managing director Laura Hellwig introduced a short film on which Jerome Flynn has been working. The topic: pig gassing and why it has to end Yes, this was also harrowing as the animals squeal and scrabble for air for up to 30 seconds as CO2 chokes and burns them into unconsciousness As over 80 per cent of all UK pigs are subjected to this torture, we have to act to end it Find out more at viva org uk/act-now

While the HOGWOOD footage was horrifying – even more so on the big screen – it inspired people all over again to come together to save animals from suffering and to champion veganism.

While films such as Earthlings and Cowspiracy are two fine examples of vegan documentaries, they are, well, very American, making it all too easy to dismiss farmed animal abuse as an American problem HOGWOOD shows that factory farming is a very real British problem

Throughout the screenings were audible sighs and groans but also a weird sense of pride. None of this would have come to light without the documentary

The Q&A session which followed was highly emotional and Juliet and Jerome proficiently and expertly talked about how things can change. The meet and greet was an opportunity to meet both them and Viva! staff

Thank you to everyone who came to the London, Exeter and Bristol events, many of whom had contributed to the making and distribution of HOGWOOD.

Home Farm Dairy Expos

The Independent published a big picture story on our shocking undercover investigation into Home Farm, a Kent dairy farm It ran our disturbing video, which could leave viewers in no doubt about the levels of cruelty

The farmer, of course, denies any wrongdoing while Red Tractor and Trading Standards say that the farm is complying with welfare standards The footage says something else entirely