A DOCUMENTARY about cuddly pets and their owners can be seen this week at a Winnersh cinema.
Showcase Cinema Reading has announced that it will be exclusively screening The Keeper of The Pigs.
The film follows director Sharon Walia, and rescue centre owner Shaz Kelly’s journey to Peru.
There, Ms Walia sets out to discover the forgotten history of the guinea pig.
The idea for the film came to her when she was producing a news report about a local cavy rescue in the midlands, that subsequently went viral.
She travelled to South America in between Covid 19 lockdowns to collect footage to make what is one of the first major documentaries about the creatures.
Viewers will be able to witness the launch of a new breed of cavy in Peru, as well as a never before filmed annual guinea pig festival.
They will also hear about a man buried in a guinea pig inspired coffin, and see inside two of the biggest cavy sanctuaries in the UK.
“Hopefully people will be able to get a real insight into these furry creatures on the big screen,” said Ms Walia.
“As an animal lover and vegan, filming people eating guinea pigs was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but never have I been to a country that celebrates an animal like Peru does the guinea pig.”
Richard Leonard, Film Programming Director at Showcase Cinemas, said: “We’re really pleased that we’re able to work with Sharon and Shaz on the release of The Keeper of the Pigs, while simultaneously highlighting some extremely important issues around animal keeping.”
The film is also supported by animal charities PETA and Blue Cross, as well as The Guinea Pig Magazine, and animal rescue centres.
It can be seen at Showcase Reading, on Friday, November 10, at 7pm, and on Sunday, November 12, at 4pm.
Tickets are available for £13.25, or £8.75 for children, £9.75 for seniors and students, and £35 for a family package.
For tickets and information, visit: www.showcasecinemas.co.uk
