SXSW Review: ‘Stuffed’ Shows the Captivating Side of Taxidermy

Stuffed documentary review 4
Credit: Jan Balster / Erin Derham / SXSW

Stuffed is a new documentary that had its world premiere at the 2019 South by Southwest Conference and Festivals (SXSW), and it is all about taxidermy. While the topic may be an instant turn-off for some viewers, especially animal lovers, do not let that deter you from watching. Stuffed shows the passion, humanity, and… dare we say… charm behind the art of taxidermy.

Director Erin Derham features taxidermists from around the globe who practice their craft in a variety of different ways. Whether the subjects contribute to natural science and history museums, turn the dead animals into art features, or assist with preserving certain species, you discover that it comes from a place of admiration for nature. While taxidermy is easily associated with hunting, the animals depicted in Stuffed died of natural causes and, as it turns out, many of the animals taxidermists work with die this way. Obviously, viewers are shown animals getting skinned and stitched, but when you see the love and care going into memorializing these creatures, it helps remove the “ick” factor.

The artists Derham worked with to bring this documentary to life are not at all how you would picture. Take, for example, Allis Markham, who owns Prey Taxidermy, an all-female company out of Los Angeles, California. Markham started volunteering at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles, finding a mentor in museum taxidermist, Tim Bovard. Finally finding her calling, she attended a course in the subject and left her corporate job. Her work now appears in The Huntington Library, multiple museums, and has even been featured in a Gucci ad. Another great example would be Jaap Sinke and Ferry van Tongeren, owners of Fine Taxidermy out of Amsterdam. Their work is described as “17th century flamboyant taxidermy” and the duo has a gift for staging animals in animated, showy ways.

In addition to breaking down the current state of taxidermy, the film also goes back through the industry’s foundations, and how closely it blends with science and history. Stuffed did well at presenting the subject in a respectful and artistic way, while highlighting the importance of such work within conservation and preservation efforts. It was truly eye-opening and helps shift the general perception from creepy to awe-inspiring.

Check out the film’s official website for more information.


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