Seniors.
Thursday’s virtual offerings of the NHDocs film festival include one from the executive director of the festival himself. Gorman Bechard writes and directs one from the heart with Seniors: A Dogumentary, a touching, invigorating, and inspirational film focusing on older dogs and the people who not only love and care for them but make it their life’s work to give them the attention and spotlight they deserve.
The stories of numerous dogs and their owners are told as photographer and author Jane Sobel Klonsky compiles a book called Unconditional: Older Dogs, Deeper Love, about the connections made between them. This journey leads to the story of Dr. John W. Pilley, Jr. and his dog Chaser, whose relationship is documented in the book Chaser: Unlocking the Genius of the Dog who Knows a Thousand Words and is seen here in action. Loving attention is also paid to the Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary in Mt. Juliet, Tenn., where the mission of founders Zena and Michael Goodin is highlighted and the numerous stories of not only those who work there, but those who have adopted from there are shared with warmth and kindness.
Your face may hurt from smiling throughout the majority of this film and, although there are a few instances that may bring a few tears, it is well worth it to experience the dedication and tribute given to these sweet and magnificent creatures that have been historically cast aside or overlooked.
Seniors is being shown along with another canine focused film, a short documentary directed by Julia Oldham called Fallout Dogs. This film centering on Chernobyl from the perspective of the dogs who are the descendants of those that survived the initial nuclear disaster in 1986. The film follows the dogs and their daily routines throughout the area, as well as the workers and self-settlers who have chosen to care for them. Stark yet hopeful, it is a stunning portrait of how life persists and reinvents itself even amidst the remnants of destruction.
This virtual screening of these two films includes a Q&A with directors Bechard and Oldham.
Waging Change.
One of the live events for Thursday’s festival is a dinner/movie pairing at Crepes Choupette featuring Waging Change, the Abby Ginsberg-directed film that takes a hard yet necessary look at the efforts to raise the minimum wage for restaurant workers. Attention is paid to how unfair practices in the restaurant industry have led to rampant sexual harassment and ongoing daily struggles for those trying to keep their heads above water and make ends meet, with a federal tipped minimum wage of $2.13 being the norm in most states.
The story of ROC (Restaurant Opportunities Center) United and its growth across the country, as well as its ongoing and inspiring efforts to work toward improved pay and better conditions for these workers — many of whom share their own personal experiences in the restaurant industry — is followed all the way to Washington DC. The film is also updated with statistics about the effects of Covid-19 on this industry and its workers, which gives the ROC efforts an even greater sense of urgency. It is a rousing and memorable look at those who work tirelessly, not only at their own jobs, but also for a better work experience for all in the restaurant industry.
Further details about NHDocs including the full schedule of films and events as well as ticket purchases can be found on their website here.