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Keith Mann, the celebrated animal liberationist from the UK made his first appearance here in South Africa, holding talks and meeting with animal rights activists during the festivals.

As one of the featured animal rights activists in the movie "Behind the Mask", his expertise and advice was sought after as were the tales of his experiences.

Although we were very concerned that only the already converted would attend, we were pleasantly surprised to find out that we were wrong.

Many Capetonians braved some unseasonally bad weather to come out in very positive numbers, many of whom we found were quite unknowing of much of the cruelty that happens to animals and were horrified at what they saw. Movies like "Behind the Mask" and "Earthlings" were well attended with some people braving it right through although I did hear some sobs, gasps and saw some tears in the eyes of many after the movie.

However, other movies such as "Witness", the story of how a construction contractor from a tough Brooklyn neighbourhood becomes an impassioned activist through developing a relationship with a cat, definitely lifted our spirits. What a wonderful story!

With comments such as "my eyes have been opened", "I will never eat meat again", to "this morning when I woke up, I realized that the world was a very different place for me", and the many emails we have since received pledging help and support for the cause, we can deem this animal rights festival to have been a great success with many Capetonians having learnt more about our sometimes good, but unfortunately often bad relationship with animals. Every night after a showing, discussions were held until late into the night.

All in all, a superb event which will be held annually.

Beauty without Cruelty wishes to thank the following people:

• The Labia and all of their staff for a great job all around
• Flavour Foods for the most amazing vegan snacks we have ever seen and tasted
• Stellar Organic Winery
• And of course, last but not least, all our wonderful wonderful helpers without whom this would never have gotten off the ground.