Sentient

As part of the 2026 Hot Docs Festival, *Sentient* offers a deep, often uncomfortable look at the ethics of animal testing. The documentary follows Dr. Lisa Jones-Engel, a former researcher at a prominent primate centre, as she grapples with the morality of the work she once dedicated her life to.

A Difficult Conversation This film doesn't shy away from the hard questions. By featuring undercover footage from inside laboratories, *Sentient* forces viewers to confront the reality of animal research and the cost—both to the animals and the researchers involved. It’s a film that asks us to consider the morality of causing harm, regardless of the potential medical breakthroughs that might result.

The Hot Docs Experience Screening at the iconic Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema in the Annex, this is a quintessential festival experience. Hot Docs is known for bringing important, thought-provoking stories to the screen, and *Sentient* is no exception. If you are interested in social issues, science ethics, or high-quality documentary filmmaking, this is a screening you won't want to miss. Be sure to book your tickets early, as Hot Docs screenings are popular and often sell out.