We Believe in Dinosaurs

Williamstown, Kentucky, is home to the Ark Encounter – a “life-size” creationist museum of Noah’s Ark, filled with all of the creatures that traveled in its hull, including dinosaurs. With incredible access to the park leading up to its opening, filmmakers Clayton Brown and Monica Long Ross expose the larger system behind the creationist movement, piecing together the many factors that have led to the museum presenting its information as historical fact, and the people who are fighting to set the scientific record straight. Amid a climate of science denial and a well-funded corporate behemoth, three Kentuckians try their best to challenge the movement that is taking over their home state, controversially profiting from state funding. A local geologist, an ex-creationist, and an atheist activist are among those profiled in the film who are trying to hinder the project. Meanwhile, fervent believers work diligently to create the lifelike animatronics that will be on display in the Ark. Leaving judgement aside, We Believe in Dinosaurs challenges the deep-seated doctrine that is passed down among creationists, pitting scientific fact vs. religious belief. (San Francisco International Film Festival)