Curiosity and Control is a thought-provoking documentary (2018) by Swedish director Albin Biblom (https://www.albinbiblom.org/curiosity-and-control) that delves into humanity’s multifaceted relationship with the natural world. Through interviews with historians, architects, zoo directors, museologists, and other experts, the film takes viewers on a journey across Western museums of natural history and zoological gardens in cities such as New York, Chester, Paris, Berlin, and Stockholm. It examines the dualities of wonder and exploitation, curiosity and control, and the desire to both dominate and preserve nature. At its core, the film raises profound questions about how we perceive, interact with, and ultimately seek to protect the natural world.

The documentary explores the origins and evolution of natural history museums and zoos, institutions born out of humanity’s curiosity about the world and its inhabitants. These spaces have historically served as places of education, wonder, and reflection, but they also reflect a paradoxical impulse to control and contain what we fear losing. The film highlights the work of Carl Akeley, the legendary explorer and taxidermist often referred to as ‘the father of taxidermy’. Akeley’s iconic dioramas at the American Museum of Natural History in New York were designed to inspire awe and awareness about the natural world, much like modern zoos aim to connect people with nature. Yet, the film questions whether these institutions still serve their original purpose in an age where television and digital media have taken over as primary sources of information about biodiversity.

One of the central themes of Curiosity and Control is the tension between appreciation and dominion. The film follows the construction of ‘Islands’, an immersive exhibit at Chester Zoo in the UK designed to replicate the ecosystems of Southeast Asia. This project sparks discussions about the ethics of reconstructing nature and the motivations behind such efforts. Are these recreations meant to benefit nature itself, or are they primarily for human enjoyment and education? The film challenges viewers to consider whether zoos and museums still play a vital role in fostering environmental awareness or if they have become relics of a bygone era.

The documentary also grapples with the ethical dilemmas surrounding zoos and natural history museums. Are these institutions born out of a genuine desire to understand and protect nature, or are they manifestations of humanity’s need to control and order the natural world? The film features voices from a diverse range of experts, including historians, authors, architects, and zoo managers, who offer nuanced perspectives on these questions. They explore the fine line between loving nature and possessing it, as encapsulated by the quote from David Hancocks: “There’s a fine line between loving something and possessing it.”

Curiosity and Control is not just a critique of humanity’s past and present interactions with nature; it also looks to the future. The film contemplates how our relationship with the natural world might evolve in the coming decades. Can we create more humane and ethical zoos? Should we continue to build them at all? And what drives us to seek connection with nature - is it curiosity, a sense of responsibility, or a deeper need to find our place within the natural order?

Through its rich tapestry of interviews, historical insights, and stunning visuals, the documentary offers a layered and thought-provoking exploration of humanity’s complex relationship with nature. It invites viewers to reflect on their own perceptions of the natural world and to consider how we might forge a more balanced and sustainable relationship with the environment in the years to come. Ultimately, the film serves as both a celebration of human curiosity and a cautionary tale about the dangers of overreach and control.