The Woman Who Loves Giraffes

The Woman Who Loves Giraffes is a captivating and inspiring documentary film released in 2018. An engrossing tale of one woman's profound love for wildlife and an undying determination to work towards its preservation forms the crux of this masterpiece. Alison Reid directs the film with alluring finesse and captures the brilliant acting skills of Tatiana Maslany, Victor Garber, and Anne Innis Dagg.

At the film's center is Dr. Anne Innis Dagg, a pioneering Canadian feminist and scientist. This feature documentary chronicles Dagg's journey, serving as a compelling tribute to her exceptional contributions to giraffe biology and her unparalleled courage in the face of gender-based prejudice and discrimination. With Tatiana Maslany lending her voice to Dagg's younger self's filmed footage and readings from her 1950s letters, we witness an in-depth portrayal of an extraordinary woman's story.

The Woman Who Loves Giraffes starts by taking us back to the year 1956. Stemming from a deep fascination with giraffes since her childhood visit to Chicago's Brookfield Zoo, a young and determined Anne Innis Dagg embarks on a solo journey across the world to South Africa. Her mission is to learn about and study giraffes in their natural habitat. Not an easy task, considering she was venturing into an uncharted territory, dominated by male scientists, and most were inclined to dismiss her interests simply because of her gender.

However, the gender disparity did not deter Dagg from her passion. In South Africa, she thoroughly documented the social structure and behavior of giraffes, thereby paving the way for future generations of field biologists. Her writings weren't just based on numbers and figures, but they encapsulated the emotional interactions and the relationship shared by the tall, gentle creatures. Her perseverance was rewarded when her work gained recognition and she became one of the first few people to have conducted extensive studies on giraffes in the wild.

The narrative is further enriched with Victor Garber’s subtle portrayal of biologist Ian Dagg, Anne's supportive husband who respects and supports her devotion to giraffes. The chemistry between the couple beautifully unfolds throughout the film, providing an undercurrent that adds a touching emotional depth to the story. Their bond unveils a compelling love story off the African plains.

On her return from South Africa, Dagg doesn't receive the welcome she deserved from the male-dominated scientific community. She faces numerous obstacles and pushbacks, indicative of the sexism prevalent in academia at the time. Nevertheless, she continues to work relentlessly in her field and becomes a positive force for women in science, balancing her research and activism with grace and tenacity, despite a lack of professional opportunities in the university system.

Alison Reid's documentary stands strong, not only as a compelling biographical piece but also as an urgent and relevant commentary on the issues faced by women in the field of academia and research. The film also presents a compelling perspective on wildlife conservation. Through Dagg's research and advocacy, we get an intimate glimpse into the unique attributes of giraffes, their habitat and behavior, and the urgent need to protect these gentle giants from extinction.

As the documentary progresses, we see that Anne's fervor for giraffes is resolute and timeless, and her zeal for these towering creatures remains just as impassioned in her nineties as it was six decades ago. The climactic sequences in the film, where we witness an emotional reunion of Dagg with her beloved giraffes in Africa, are as heartwarming as they are inspiring.

The Woman Who Loves Giraffes delivers an authentic portrayal of a remarkable woman, a compelling feminist narrative, and an insightful study of one of nature's most fascinating creatures. Fundamentally, it is a love letter to giraffes, an homage to a trailblazing woman, and a call to action to preserve wildlife and fight gender bias in academia. It not only throws the spotlight on an unsung hero but also serves as an educational tool for those unaware of giraffes' significance and the challenges they currently face.

Kudos to Reid's direction, the sterling performances of the cast, and the vivid capturing of giraffes in their natural habitat, The Woman Who Loves Giraffes undoubtedly leaves an indelible mark on its viewers. It serves as an amazing testament to following your passion and emphasizes the power each of us has to make a difference.