Veteran ABC journalist Tony Jones has returned from the Sundance Film Festival, where his documentary Sentient premiered to critical acclaim. The film, an exposé on the realities of animal testing, explores the impact on both animals and researchers. This marks a significant shift for Jones, who is widely known for his role as the former host of the influential Australian television program Q+A.
In a recent interview, Jones reflected on the end of Q+A and his new venture into documentary filmmaking. “I do miss it from time to time,” Jones admitted, “but I think the country misses it more. It was a unique platform for ordinary Australians to engage directly with politicians and public figures.”
The End of an Era: Q+A’s Demise
The abrupt conclusion of Q+A has left many viewers and media analysts puzzled. Jones, however, remains diplomatic about the reasons behind the show’s cancellation. “Maybe it had come to its natural end,” he speculated. “I feel very sad about it.”
Jones’ tenure on Q+A was marked by his ability to moderate discussions on pressing national issues, a skill that he humorously acknowledged during the interview. “That’s the role of a Q+A moderator, isn’t it?” he quipped when asked about his diplomatic responses.
From Television to Documentary Film
Jones’ transition from television to documentary filmmaking has been a collaborative effort with his wife, Sarah Ferguson, who served as the executive producer of Sentient. “Working with her has been one of the great pleasures of my career,” Jones said. The couple’s presence at Sundance was a testament to their successful partnership, as they navigated the festival’s competitive landscape.
The documentary was inspired by a conversation with philosopher Peter Singer on Q+A. Singer’s comments on animal sentience prompted Jones to explore the subject further. “I started to do research into the sentience of animals, how much they feel,” Jones explained.
The Impact of Animal Testing
Sentient delves into the world of animal testing, particularly focusing on macaque monkeys. The documentary highlights the ethical dilemmas faced by researchers and the suffering endured by animals. “Terrible things are happening to tens of thousands of animals in laboratories,” Jones stated, emphasizing the prolonged distress these creatures experience.
The film follows Dr. Lisa Jones-Engel, described by Jones as the “Jane Goodall of macaque monkeys,” who advocates for their removal from laboratories. Her work underscores the emotional and psychological toll on these animals, drawing parallels to human experiences.
Balancing Perspectives on Animal Testing
Jones’ documentary presents a balanced view, showcasing arguments for and against animal testing. The film includes perspectives from industry leaders like Dr. Cindy Buckmaster, who argues that animal testing is essential for medical advancements. “If not for those animals, we wouldn’t have so many vaccines that save lives,” Buckmaster contends.
However, the documentary also features voices like Professor Jim Mahoney, who later in his career questioned the ethics of animal testing. “It went wrong from when we put them in cages,” Mahoney reflected.
Ethical Dilemmas and Future Directions
Jones acknowledges the complexity of the issue, admitting that while he cannot stop using medicines tested on animals, the industry must evolve. “We need to demand that these companies invest in new science that will replace the use of animals,” he urged, highlighting the need for transparency and innovation in research practices.
Sentient will continue to reach audiences through its appearance at the Antenna Documentary Film Festival and a subsequent streaming release on DocPlay later in 2026. As the conversation around animal rights and ethical testing continues, Jones’ documentary offers a poignant and thought-provoking contribution to the debate.
