All animals are equal, but are some more equal than others?
Britain’s first animated feature was a 1954 adaptation of George Orwell’s classic political allegory, Animal Farm. Fed up with cruel Farmer Jones, a group of revolutionary animals take over control of Manor Farm and set out to create a utopian society. But soon, conflict and corruption begin to brew.
Directed and produced by award-winning animation legends John Halas & Joy Batchelor, the film was sold to the public as a distinctly British production. But unbeknownst to the film’s crew, Animal Farm was covertly part-funded by the CIA, a fact which only came to light four decades after the film’s release and has defined much of its legacy since. Forming part of the CIA’s anti-Soviet propaganda, the ending of the film was famously changed from Orwell’s pessimistic original to a more upbeat, revolutionary one, a choice which proved controversial with critics. This landmark piece of British cinema history is presented here newly restored in 4K by the BFI.
Extras
Newly restored in 4K from the original 35mm Successive Frame negative by the BFI and presented in High Definition
Limited edition including a perfect-bound book, poster, a set of postcards and slipcase
Extras tbc