Animal Rights and Discrimination Against Animals in Turkish Cinema
in: Cinema Studies: Cultural and Social Practices, Digitization, and Theory, Serhat Koca,Engin Kılıçatan, Editor, NOVA Science Publishers Inc. , New York, pp.325-335, 2026
- Publication Type: Book Chapter / Chapter Research Book
- Publication Date: 2026
- Publisher: NOVA Science Publishers Inc.
- City: New York
- Page Numbers: pp.325-335
- Editors: Serhat Koca,Engin Kılıçatan, Editor
- Anadolu University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Discrimination is often evaluated within a human-centric framework, typically considering categories such as gender, race, ethnicity, and disabilities that place individuals at a disadvantage. Discrimination against animals and animal rights, on the other hand, are topics that are rarely discussed, and these types of discrimination, which are shaped by the dynamics of the society in question, often go unrecognized. The approach to the concept in terms of the use of animals in the film industry is even more specific and equally overlooked.
Since its inception, the film industry has utilized animals as actors whenever required by the content of films. In Turkish cinema, particularly after the transition to the generation of filmmakers that emerged post-1950, films that occasionally included scenes featuring animals were produced. Some of these scenes merely depict animals in ordinary settings, while others involve challenging scenarios. Regardless of the context, when examining the use of animals in films through the lens of animal rights, significant violations and a lack of adequate consideration are evident.
This study, which seeks to answer the question of how much attention is given to animal rights in the Turkish film industry, aims to contribute both qualitatively and quantitatively to the existing body of work in this area. By analyzing selected films, it explores the extent to which animals used as actors are affected by the industry and assesses the degree of respect shown toward animal rights.