Pigs are one of the smartest animals on the planet, their intelligence surpasses that of 3 year old children, dogs and even some primates. Much like humans, pigs have their own individual personality, quirks, likes and dislikes. They tend to pick up tricks faster than dogs and can learn and respond to their name when called. They are social animals which form close bonds with others, playing together, exploring together, sleeping next to and communicating constantly with one another, having over 20 different vocalisations.

In this film Lucent, we explore the darker side to Australia’s pig farming industry and through a combination of hand-held and hidden camera footage the day-to-day cruelty these animals face is exposed as we are brought to question the widely accepted industry standards.

Lucent was the result of a successful crowdfunding campaign initiated in late 2013. Narrated by Lindsay McDougall (The Doctor from Triple J), the film contains footage from over 50 farms and slaughterhouses across Australia – much of this footage has never been seen before.