Project Nim (2011)

Project Nim (2011) delves into the tale of Nim Chimpsky, a chimpanzee who, during the 1970s, was the subject of a groundbreaking experiment. The goal was to demonstrate that a chimpanzee, if nurtured and raised like a human child, could acquire the ability to communicate using sign language. The implications of this experiment were vast, potentially bridging the gap between humans and their closest animal relatives and redefining the essence of humanity. The documentary, directed by James Marsh, weaves together accounts from key participants, newly uncovered archival footage, and vivid imagery to narrate the remarkable journey of Nim through human society. It explores the lasting impact Nim had on the people he encountered, offering a poignant and unflinching look at the experiment and its consequences. The film provides a revealing and unsettling exploration of Nim's true nature and, by extension, our own.