The gripping film takes a comprehensive look into our current condition as a people; uncovering many issues that are affecting our natural world and the animals who inhabit it, revealing the vital connection between humans, animals, and the growing plant-based movement.
“Why On Earth has been a labor of love for the past four years. We are so excited to finally share with the world this important documentary to raise awareness about the many issues that impact our planet’s critical species,” shared Cleary, whose previous award-winning documentary,Give Me Shelter,debuted on Netflix in 2015. Cleary is also the Founder and President of the animal welfare organization, Peace 4 Animals, and its popular animal news network, World Animal News. “There are simple things that we as humans can and must do to prevent the devastation of our rainforests and to enact stricter penalties for poachers who kill endangered and threatened species.”
Why On Earth was filmed by Director of Photography, Hunter Nolan, in five countries including South Africa, Kenya, Indonesia, Mexico, and the United States. Rarely before seen footage highlights the people on the ground fighting to protect critical species including endangered orangutans due to rapid deforestation in Borneo and Sumatra for palm oil extraction, the depletion of shark populations worldwide due to the illegal shark fin trade, and the poaching of nearly extinct African rhinos, elephants, and lions to fuel the black market trade of their parts overseas. The film also shares the process of what it takes to pass vital legislation to protect animals in the United States.
Peace 4 Animals supports the protection of endangered species worldwide and many wildlife rescues on the ground working to save endangered elephants, rhinos, and orangutans, among many other imperiled species. The organization also supports anti-poaching efforts throughout Africa. Peace 4 Animals works with local partners to rescue and rehabilitate companion animals that have been abandoned on the streets or given up at shelters and finds them loving forever homes. The organization has also saved many farm animals from slaughter and has found them sanctuary. One of their missions is advocating for a plant-based diet to help save the lives of billions of farm animals worldwide. The organization has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for animal welfare partners globally.
Why On Earthwill be available on all major streaming and cable platforms across the U.S. and Canada on August 16.