An Apology to Elephants

Elephants are among the Earth's most majestic and intelligent creatures -- but for hundreds of years, they have suffered under the hands of humans. We have poached them for their tusks, chained them up in captivity, and destroyed their natural habitats. Narrated and executive produced by Oscar nominated actress Lily Tomlin and directed and produced by Emmy winner Amy Schatz, An Apology to Elephants is an HBO family documentary that illustrates how elephants live in the wild -- from their matriarchal structure to their truly impressive memories -- and examines the problems and issues that arise when they are brought to live in captivity in zoos and circuses. This film traces our long history with elephants and features beautiful nature footage, juxtaposed with disturbing behind-the-scenes video of the cruel ways that circuses break down elephants' spirits in order to get them to perform. The film also shows how people have been striving to spread awareness and improve the conditions for the scores of elephants still living in North America.

• documentary