Cannibal Holocaust
The following AHA film review was compiled from archival information and documentation and may not reflect AHA's current criteria for animal action review and rating procedures.
A documentary team of three young men and a young woman head for the South-American jungle to search for real cannibals. After a while, the crew is reported missing and a rescue team is sent from the US to find them.
- Starring: Robert Kerman, Francesca Ciardi and Perry Pikanen
- Director(s): Ruggero Deodato
- Producer(s): F.D. Cinematografica
- Screenwriter(s): Gianfranco Clerici
- Distributor: Transcontinental
- Release Date: Monday, April 01, 1985
Featured Animal Action
During the making of this film, an opossum was slit with a knife; the shell was ripped off of a turtle; and a monkey had the top of its head sliced off. Cannibal Holocaust was filmed outside of the US and was only shown in "X" rated theaters during its run. AHA urged moviegoers to protest the film by writing letters to theater managers and by warning others of its inhumane content.
The ongoing expansion of the AHA Guidelines for the Safe Use of Animals in Filmed Media has raised the standard of care for animal actors worldwide. In addition, technological advancements have created safe alternatives to risky action, enabling filmmakers to maintain their creative vision without compromising the welfare of animal actors. AHA continues to be a vigilant watchdog for animals in film and television and acknowledges the groundbreaking history of this program while expanding and refining procedures to reflect increased knowledge and new challenges.