Liberty the Vegan Film Reimagines Art and Disability to Champion Animal Rights

A powerful new short film in the works is fusing art, disability advocacy, and Animal rights into one emotional, visually stunning project. Liberty, created by nonprofit studio Fauna Films, follows disabled artist Gretchen Ryan’s six-year journey to complete a massive, animal-themed painting—and it’s more than just a beautiful canvas.

At age 16, Ryan was paralyzed in a car accident. Years later, she began painting “Liberty Leading the Animals,” a 13-foot-wide reimagining of the iconic Delacroix masterpiece Liberty Leading the People. But in Ryan’s version, Liberty represents not revolution, but the fight for animal liberation.

“Liberty isn’t just a film about a painting,” said Fauna Films director James Hoot. “It’s about defying the odds, using art to amplify marginalized voices, and inspiring empathy for both humans and animals.”

The film will also highlight real-life rescued animals at Farm Sanctuary, giving faces—and stories—to the creatures behind the art. It all leads up to a public unveiling of the painting at a gallery in Los Angeles on May 16, 2025.

To bring the film to life, Fauna Films has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise $8,000 for production and post-production costs. Donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar by a private donor, and backers who contribute $250 or more will receive a tax-deductible receipt.

For vegan and animal-loving audiences, this film is more than just a story—it’s a symbol of resilience and hope. If you care about animals, art, or simply doing better for the planet, now’s the time to act. Support Liberty, share its message, and help this inspiring film reach the world.

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