Anima Urbis III: Rat with an introductory lecture by Paul Dobraszczyk
With a rare balance of incisive historical inquiry, humorous characterisation and playful cinematography, the filmmaker Theo Anthony explores the rat infestation of the American East Coast city of Baltimore and its surprising political, psychological and scientific roots.
Through Anthony's extensive archival research, a complex historical dynamic is revealed that not only summarises rat control, eugenics and urban development plans, but also draws connections to current racial inequalities and tensions. The film will be introduced by Paul Dobraszczyk, lecturer at The Bartlett School of Architecture and author of the recently published 'Animal Architecture: Beasts, Buildings and Us'.
The event is the third chapter of the 'Anima Urbis' programme, which explores the relationship between animals and humans in the city and perception of the so-called 'trash animals': pigeon, fox, rat and wild dog.
Rat Film / Theo Anthony / 2016 / United States / English with English subtitles / 100’