The Ark

The Ark is the kind of documentary that would make for interesting water cooler conversation upon its first airing. The discussions of the country's economic position, cultural validity and the state of the nations industry by the early nineties is brought up in the documentary, and I can imagine other industries/professional environments would empathise/relate to the events that unfold in the documentary.

However, we are nearly twenty years on and water coolers have been replaced by instant messaging and e-mail. Does the documentary still hold the same relevance? I believe so. The notion of duty and worth within financial constraints is not something new. We need look no further than the British film industry and its restructuring and the importance of image, marketing and righteousness. And Molly Dineen's caring cameras perfectly capture that.

Gaining incredible access at all levels, from board meetings to feeding and 'shit shovelling' the documentary really does show us the wide reach of London Zoo and the effects that decisions from the top can have on those at the bottom, including the animals - a heartbreaking question is asked at one point whether the zoo should keep Orang-utans or Chimps.

On paper, the subject of the documentary could seem a little dry. But there is warmth throughout, I couldn't help but draw contrasts to some of Ken Loach's films in its ability to maintain emotional interest whilst feeling journalistic and questioning.

I had never heard of this documentary or Molly Dineen as a filmmaker before this release, and the surprise excellence of it further shows the importance of the BFI to uncover and release films and documentaries that otherwise would slip through the cracks of time.