Octopuses are among the world’s most intelligent invertebrates. They’re also in high demand as a food product. In an effort to bring awareness to the plight of this remarkable species, Southampton Arts Center is hosting a free outdoor screening of the 93rd Academy Award Best Documentary winner “My Octopus Teacher” on Friday, September 24, at 7 PM. Prior to the film, Becca Franks, research scientist of environmental studies at New York University, and Jennifer Jacquet, associate professor of environmental studies at New York University, will lead an engaging discussion on octopus intelligence, inspiring us to take action and protect these marine animals.
There are increasing efforts to commercially farm octopuses for human consumption. The panel program will discuss the current state of the octopus farming industry, associated ethical and environmental issues, welfare concerns with keeping octopuses in captivity, and the legal framework relevant to octopuses.
“This is a wonderful film that takes you into the world of wild octopus, and Becca Franks and I are excited to join the crowd at Southampton Arts Center to discuss some the latest scientific and commercial developments that are not in the film,” shared Jacquet. “Such as the concept of distributed consciousness, the moral status of octopus, and the latest efforts to mass produce octopus.”
Screening on SAC’s West Lawn, “My Octopus Teacher” is a 2020 Netflix Original documentary film directed by Pippa Ehrlich and James Reed, which documents a year spent by filmmaker Craig Foster forging a relationship with a wild common octopus in a South African kelp forest. Attendees are asked to bring their own beach chair or blanket. In the event of rain, the event will be moved indoors and proof of vaccination will be required.
Register at southamptonartscenter.org/film.