Emma Baus

Animal democracy – The Chief consults

Documentary 52′, 4K, 2021

Written and directed by Emma Baus, co-written by Estelle Raffin
Production: Cocottes Minute Productions

Distribution: Terranoa
Broadcaster: Arte GEIE

Synopsis : What if the Greeks didn’t invent democracy ?
Many animals live in groups, but as they evolve, who lead the direction? Who decides where to lay the nest? Who decides whether to continue the hunt or to stop it? Filmed in Africa, and France, within sumptuous animal reserves, “Animal Democracy” presents the behaviour of species that offer each individual the opportunity to express themselves for the good of their community. Revelations about these animal species that make decisions collectively.

Episode 1 – The Chief consults
When necessity is the law in the wilderness, cooperation becomes indispensable.
In Africa, among the most hierarchical animal societies, the chief consults with members of his group before taking action. Each species proceeds in its own way to make its point of view heard from the leader. Wild dogs sneeze, baboons walk in a certain direction, elephants growl and meerkats scream. What if democracy had been invented by animals?