23rd Verzió Festival 16–25/11 2026.

Sentient

Sentient

Sentient still
Directed by

Tony Jones

Australia | 2026 | 106 min | English
Full Synopsis

A thought-provoking exploration into the world of laboratory research on animals examined through the vulnerable confessions and complex emotions of scientific experts on both sides of the debate. Following the story of Dr Lise Jones Engel, a primatologist turned animal welfare advocate, it asks ‘Can we still justify animal testing in the name of science?’

Producer
Ivan O’Mahoney
Screenwriter
Tony Jones
Rachel Grierson-Johns
Cinematographer
Andy Taylor
Aaron Smith
Vanessa Carr
Editor
Rachel Grierson-Johns
Composer
Helena Czajka
Production Company
In Films
Distribution
Tom Howson
DOGWOOF
tom@dogwoof.com
Festivals & Awards
Millennium Docs Against Gravity 2026 – Special Mention
Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival 2026 – Audience Award for Documentary
In Cinemas Only
11. 18. WEDNESDAY 16:30
Screening
Toldi - Béla Balázs Hall
Subtitle: English
11. 24. TUESDAY 20:30
Screening
Művész - Chaplin
Subtitle: English
Tony Jones
Director
Tony Jones

Tony Jones is an Australian journalist, broadcaster, writer and documentary filmmaker. After a long career at ABC and SBS, including as host of Q&A and Lateline, he made his feature documentary directorial debut with Sentient.

Trigger Warnings