First Annual Dog Film Festival Announced

Festivals which feature feline-themed films may currently be the cat’s meow, but soon dogs will have their day at an event that will mix flicks, Fidos and philanthropy.

A day dedicated to the bond between our barking buddies and the people they love, the first annual Dog Film Festival — which was created by pet wellness advocate Tracie Hotchner and produced by Hotchner’s Radio Pet Lady Network — will take place on October 3, 2015 from 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. at the prestigious Peter Norton Symphony Space, a 765-seat theater in New York City.

From animated antics and live action to dogumentaries, the festival will include both classic and contemporary canine-themed videos and short films with running times ranging from 3 to 45 minutes, which will be viewed at two-hour showings. Festival submissions are now being considered.

Helping a Paws Cause

In celebration of the Fido-centric film festival, a premiere cocktail gala Pooch Party will be held on October 2nd from 6-8pm. The opening night gala premiere party will be held at Ruby and Jack’s Doggy Shack on the Upper East side, welcoming both dogs and their people (although people may attend without a dog, too!) Look for craft beer and delightful snacks provided for people by The Jeffrey Craft Beer and Bites, along with fine wine, surprise cocktails and amazing treats for the dogs, too.

This party is a celebration for those lucky few who buy the limited edition Founding Member tickets that give them all-access dog tags to wear the following day at the Film Festival on Saturday October 3rd.

Special party features will include:

• Pet psychic Annie Germani (of Westminster Dog Show fame) will be flying in from Minnesota to give readings for dogs.
• You can talk to VCA hospital vets from the Animal Specialty Center in Yonkers (including Dr. Ettinger “The Pet Cancer Vet”.
• Meet “Holistic Vets” radio co-host Dr. Judy Morgan, coming in from New Jersey with her dressed up rescued Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
• Get to know Dr. Amy Attas, from CityPetsVets NYC’s best-known house call veterinarian, who is also the Dog Film Festival veterinary advisor.
• Renowned dog trainer Andrea Arden will be on hand to answer behavior questions.
• Photographers who specialize in dogs will be on hand to get pictures of you and your dog on the V.I.P. Green Carpet “step and repeat.”
• A sketch artist will send you home with a drawing of your canine (if your pooch isn’t the party-going type, bring along a photo of your dog so you’ll get a sketch, too).
• Every Pooch Party guest will go home with a deluxe “doggy swag bag” with gifts equaling over $100 — including a 2 lb. box of The Honest Kitchen food, a bottle of Nordic Naturals omega-3 oil for pets (and some for people, too), supplements from CanineActiv and Activphy, John Paul Pet shampoo, Wagatha’s biscuits, the commemorative dog film festival poster, a Dog Film Festival leash, and much more.

This party is only open to those who buy Founding Member tickets, which also gives them:

• Special Founding Member entrance to the Festival screenings at Symphony Space.
• An “all-access dog tag” for the Festival with roped-off seats in the Founding Member reserved area.
• Your dog’s name listed in the program as a Top Dog.

Please note that there is a limited number of Founding Member all-access dog tags so if you want to be assured of a spot at the Gala Premiere Pooch party, and V.I.P. seating at the theatre.

For more information regarding the first annual Dog Film Festival:

• Festival program
• visit www.dogfilmfestival.com

Photo Credit: Dog Film Festival