Told through the eyes and hands of acclaimed artists across the world, STUFFED explores the surprising world of taxidermy, where sculptors must also be scientists. From a studio in Los Angeles that has elevated taxidermy to the forefront of fashion, to fine artists in the Netherlands, these passionate experts push creative boundaries while revealing the importance of preserving nature.
Official Selection - SXSW
“A lively look at contemporary taxidermy in a documentary that’s as fascinating as it is freaky”
LA Times
“Enchanting”
Pajiba
“If taxidermy - the art of preserving animal remains - and conservation seem antithetical, then STUFFED is the film to reshape all those preconceptions. Lyrical, poignant, and beautiful.”
The Austin Chronicle
“A story about conservation [that] taps into the dorkiness and dutiful presentation of natural beauty that’s at the heart of taxidermy. The film challenges the stereotypes of what it is, paints a giddy, gorgeous portrait of the people who do it, and shows how preserving animals can help preserve species and the spaces that sustain them.”
Outside Magazine
“STUFFED is full of beautiful long shots, courtesy of the director of photography Jan Balster, that show off all the little details and flourishes of each animal on display. Filled with hypnotic imagery that vividly captures the efforts of the artists. Truly engrossing.”
Film Threat
“Director Erin Derham beautifully displays an insightful cabinet of curiosities. Derham is an animal lover, vegetarian, and has a Masters of History with a focus on Environmental History. STUFFED captures the dedicated passion of talented artists behind a stigmatized vocation in the most fascinating and entertaining manner. [It] shows us that love and art can be found everywhere - in nature, conservation efforts, science, and yes, even in death.”
– Birth.Movies.Death.