Pariah Dog 2019
Distributed by Collective Eye Films, 1315 SE 20th Ave. #3, Portland OR 97214; 971-236-2056
Produced by Jesse Alk
Directed by Jesse Alk
Streaming, 77 mins
College - General Adult
Animal Rights, Animal Welfare, Interpersonal Relations
Date Entered: 05/27/2020
Reviewed by Kimberly Poppiti, St. Joseph's College, Patchogue, NYPariah Dog focuses on the wandering street dogs of Kolkata, India and their caretakers. This understated, yet powerful, feature-length documentary provides viewers with a glimpse into the uniquely challenging, and often painfully difficult, lives of the film’s main characters, both canine and human. Viewers are likely to take from this film an increased understanding of the sacrifices involved in committing to caring for others, as well as enhanced empathy for those living on the outskirts of society and existing in harsh living conditions.
This film allows the stories of its characters to unfold in a way that is both natural and effective but offers no overt advice or instruction on “how to” help animals. Viewers are introduced to the main human characters early in the film and meet numerous canine (and also a few feline) characters as the story unfolds. Various aspects of animal caretaking are depicted, as are some instances of cruelty. Scenes from an animal rights rally are included, as are the everyday acts of love and care provided for various dogs and cats. Throughout the film, viewers gain a general sense of what life in Kolkata is like for various inhabitants and also get glimpses into the nature of veterinary care, class divisions, living conditions (of both animals and humans), and gender roles within the area in which the film is set.
Pariah Dog is a well-made film that features powerful imagery, shaped by adept cinematography and editing, and balanced with revealing interviews and conversations; the film as a whole is both disturbing and inspiring. The filmmakers have included scenes that may upset some viewers, including numerous shots of sick, injured, or dead dogs, as well as ongoing depictions of casual cruelty, and the enduring disregard of some people in the film for the suffering of others. This film is worthwhile viewing and will likely be most relevant to those in the fields of animal welfare, animal rights and, less directly, interpersonal relations.
Awards:
"“Best Feature” - Big Sky Documentary Film Festival (2019); “Best Feature” - Newburyport Documentary Film Festival (2019); “Best Director” - Nevada City Film Festival (2019)