Story
"Curiosity and Control" takes audiences on a captivating exploration through western natural history museums and zoos, inviting reflections from historians, architects, zoo directors, and a museologist. This film delves into stories that revolve around curiosity, control, the instinct to preserve, and the ways in which we engage with the natural world. At its heart lies the tale of the renowned explorer Carl Akeley, hailed as "the father of taxidermy," and his remarkable creation of dioramas at the American Museum of Natural History in New York. These dioramas were crafted with the purpose of raising awareness about the natural world, mirroring the contemporary mission of zoological gardens to foster a connection between people and nature.
While shadowing the construction of "Islands," an extension at Chester Zoo in the UK designed as an immersive exhibit mirroring South East Asia, the film sparks discussions on the reconstruction of nature and the vital role of reminding us about the essence of the natural world. It prompts contemplation: is this preservation for nature's sake or for what we gain from it? Do dioramas and zoos continue to serve as vehicles for raising awareness about biodiversity, or has television overtaken this responsibility? "Curiosity and Control" intricately navigates the delicate balance between curiosity, dominion, appreciation, and control.