Acclaimed contemporary documentary filmmaker Molly Dineen reveals the inner workings of London Zoo as the institution is rocked by uncertainty and change
Molly Dineen is one of Britain’s most acclaimed contemporary documentary filmmakers, known for her intimate and probing portraits of British individuals and institutions, and recipient of numerous accolades, including BAFTA, Grierson and RTS awards for documentary. This is the second of three volumes that bring all of her films to DVD.
In her four-part series The Ark (1993), Dineen reveals the inner workings of London Zoo as the institution is rocked by uncertainty and change.
Accompanying the zoo’s keepers, managers, and varied animal inhabitants during a period of profound crisis, the series is a delightful, candid and moving portrait of the passions and pressures at work within this much-loved menagerie.
The Ark was BAFTA Award Winner for Best Series (1993); recipient of Prix Europa Special Commendation; Voice of Viewers and Listeners award for Best Television Programme (1993); and Indies Documentaries and Features award (1994).
Extras
Interview with Molly Dineen on the making of The Ark, featuring the BBC’s Alan Yentob and Dineen’s sound recordist Phil Streather. Also includes behind-the-scenes footage at London Zoo (2011, 30 mins)
Interview with Molly Dineen and editor Edward Roberts on the craft and techniques of making and editing observational documentary films (2011, 20 mins)
Fully illustrated booklet featuring new essays and notes from journalist Mark Lawson, Stella Bruzzi, and BFI curators
