WILD ROSE INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL 2014
‘Foster Dog’ charms with its cleverness and wit
November 23, 2014: The 2014 Wild Rose Independent Film Festival presented a diverse schedule of indie film excellence. One film which stood out, much as a cute dog stands out in a crowded park, was “Foster Dog.” Lisa Alonso Vear, this short film’s writer, director and producer, also provides its heart and soul in an artfully crafted, irresistibly appealing story. “Foster Dog” won Best Editing for a Short Film for Alonso Vear and her editor, Christa Artherholt.
“Foster Dog” is a short film about a young, disabled dog in foster care that gets a new leash on life, with the help of an older, wiser friend, in order to become adoptable and find his “furever” home. (This play on of words is from the film’s website – and delightfully appropriate.) The hero of this tail (oops, couldn’t resist) is Henry, a diminutive yet dynamic disabled pooch whose initial fate was changed when shelter workers reprieved him, diverting him to a foster dog care program rather than the harsh reality of PTS (Put To Sleep), our euthanasia euphemism intended to soften the blow of finality for many potential pets.
What sets this docu-fable apart from most presentations about humane treatment for animals is that this story comes from a “barking head” perspective, with a talented cast of voice actors providing the canine characters with their dialogue. This device gives viewers a refreshing perspective on an only-too-real challenge: finding homes for deserving dogs before the harsh reality of euthanasia becomes the final action.
Alonso Vear successfully engages viewers in this ever increasingly cynical world to pay attention to the plight of potential pets awaiting adoption. Giving a suspenseful race-against-the- clock feel to Henry’s plight, this film quickly spins through its story to its happy conclusion. Shelters across America and around the world might do very well by considering this film as a powerful addition to their arsenals of public relations tools. The filmmaker brings a thought- provoking point of view to this issue, and leaves viewers with much to consider.
“Foster Dog” – a short film sure to touch your heart with the sweet honesty of cinematic honey. This 14-minute journey can be savored by young and old alike, and is very worthy of sharing with kindred spirits. Alonso Vear’s deft and caring touch with her film allows it to radiate with a special and compassionate glow, so bask in the charm of her story.
- John Busbee is a creative project developer, writer and an Iowa-based critic, producing a weekly arts & culture radio show, which is broadcast regionally and streams globally. Busbee is the recipient of the 2014 Iowa Governor’s Award for Collaboration & Partnership in the Arts.
November 23, 2014: The 2014 Wild Rose Independent Film Festival presented a diverse schedule of indie film excellence. One film which stood out, much as a cute dog stands out in a crowded park, was “Foster Dog.” Lisa Alonso Vear, this short film’s writer, director and producer, also provides its heart and soul in an artfully crafted, irresistibly appealing story. “Foster Dog” won Best Editing for a Short Film for Alonso Vear and her editor, Christa Artherholt.
“Foster Dog” is a short film about a young, disabled dog in foster care that gets a new leash on life, with the help of an older, wiser friend, in order to become adoptable and find his “furever” home. (This play on of words is from the film’s website – and delightfully appropriate.) The hero of this tail (oops, couldn’t resist) is Henry, a diminutive yet dynamic disabled pooch whose initial fate was changed when shelter workers reprieved him, diverting him to a foster dog care program rather than the harsh reality of PTS (Put To Sleep), our euthanasia euphemism intended to soften the blow of finality for many potential pets.
What sets this docu-fable apart from most presentations about humane treatment for animals is that this story comes from a “barking head” perspective, with a talented cast of voice actors providing the canine characters with their dialogue. This device gives viewers a refreshing perspective on an only-too-real challenge: finding homes for deserving dogs before the harsh reality of euthanasia becomes the final action.
Alonso Vear successfully engages viewers in this ever increasingly cynical world to pay attention to the plight of potential pets awaiting adoption. Giving a suspenseful race-against-the- clock feel to Henry’s plight, this film quickly spins through its story to its happy conclusion. Shelters across America and around the world might do very well by considering this film as a powerful addition to their arsenals of public relations tools. The filmmaker brings a thought- provoking point of view to this issue, and leaves viewers with much to consider.
“Foster Dog” – a short film sure to touch your heart with the sweet honesty of cinematic honey. This 14-minute journey can be savored by young and old alike, and is very worthy of sharing with kindred spirits. Alonso Vear’s deft and caring touch with her film allows it to radiate with a special and compassionate glow, so bask in the charm of her story.
- John Busbee is a creative project developer, writer and an Iowa-based critic, producing a weekly arts & culture radio show, which is broadcast regionally and streams globally. Busbee is the recipient of the 2014 Iowa Governor’s Award for Collaboration & Partnership in the Arts.
Nominated for: Best Music, Best Director, Best Editing and Best Sound Design
ROCHESTER INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Notes from the selection committee:
Many felt that the idea of personifying the dogs and using them to tell the story and get the (subtle) message across was very clever and inventive.
Many commented on your choice of music that it was well done. The comments stated that the members felt your film was very clever, compassionate, humorous and highly original, engaging and whimsical, well written and well executed. One member stated that it made them want to adopt a rescue dog. Several commented that it held their interest from the beginning.
The messages about being different and friendship and the thought that disabled dogs make good pets were done well.
Many felt that the idea of personifying the dogs and using them to tell the story and get the (subtle) message across was very clever and inventive.
Many commented on your choice of music that it was well done. The comments stated that the members felt your film was very clever, compassionate, humorous and highly original, engaging and whimsical, well written and well executed. One member stated that it made them want to adopt a rescue dog. Several commented that it held their interest from the beginning.
The messages about being different and friendship and the thought that disabled dogs make good pets were done well.
CLEVELAND INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Director Alonso Vear is a passionate pet lover and advocates for pet adoption. In the accompanying information with this film, Director Alonso Vear tells us that this passion is the reason why this film was made. She expresses a need to advocate for pet adoption and the film makes a strong case for helping those type of organizations share their mission with the public.
The film centers on a small slightly deformed dog that is one day away from being euthanized. Thanks to a foster pet program he is spared temporarily. This is not a preachy documentary, but an entertaining, poignant, mission driven film about pet adoption done with great voices.
The yet to be adopted pets have been given “personality” through nicely cast voice over artists and is entirely told from the dogs point of view. Pet lovers will really enjoy this film and tell their friend. Non-pet lovers (the pet-less) will be entertained.
Great partnerships with pet advocacy groups, pounds, adoption agencies and other organizations that help to place these pets permanently will find this film very helpful in swaying the public about options for pet adoptions.
- CIFF festival screener
I enjoyed this film. Right when I first saw Henry on screen I fell in love with him. He has such an adorable little soul. All of the dogs used for this film were quite personable and chosen well. They really augmented the back story of the needs for rescue and adoption.
All of the voice over was done so well. Each dog had a unique and emotion filled character. It was easy to stay focused on the film and laugh along with it. It was also easy to root for Henry and wish him the best.
When Henry was rejected by the girl dog it was a sad, heart breaking moment. Good job on making that scene realistic. Not too sappy or cliché. It was just touching and a good empathetic connection to the main character.
Tie Kwan doggie was a great laugh. A clever play on words and it was easily recognizable.
The bit of irony at the end, with the woman who adopts Henry, was nice too. It was a short scene that didn’t need a lot of dialogue to get the message across. It was nice to sit quietly and share Henry's happiness as the film concludes.
- CIFF festival screener
The film centers on a small slightly deformed dog that is one day away from being euthanized. Thanks to a foster pet program he is spared temporarily. This is not a preachy documentary, but an entertaining, poignant, mission driven film about pet adoption done with great voices.
The yet to be adopted pets have been given “personality” through nicely cast voice over artists and is entirely told from the dogs point of view. Pet lovers will really enjoy this film and tell their friend. Non-pet lovers (the pet-less) will be entertained.
Great partnerships with pet advocacy groups, pounds, adoption agencies and other organizations that help to place these pets permanently will find this film very helpful in swaying the public about options for pet adoptions.
- CIFF festival screener
I enjoyed this film. Right when I first saw Henry on screen I fell in love with him. He has such an adorable little soul. All of the dogs used for this film were quite personable and chosen well. They really augmented the back story of the needs for rescue and adoption.
All of the voice over was done so well. Each dog had a unique and emotion filled character. It was easy to stay focused on the film and laugh along with it. It was also easy to root for Henry and wish him the best.
When Henry was rejected by the girl dog it was a sad, heart breaking moment. Good job on making that scene realistic. Not too sappy or cliché. It was just touching and a good empathetic connection to the main character.
Tie Kwan doggie was a great laugh. A clever play on words and it was easily recognizable.
The bit of irony at the end, with the woman who adopts Henry, was nice too. It was a short scene that didn’t need a lot of dialogue to get the message across. It was nice to sit quietly and share Henry's happiness as the film concludes.
- CIFF festival screener
REEL SHORTS FILM FESTIVAL
Out of the 6 screenings [at Reel Shorts] of Let’s Play (Grade 1-3) that were for schools, we received 335 votes with the following breakdown and the % who picked your film:
· 63 Grade 1 students and their teachers – 52% picked your film as their favorite
· 100 Grade 2 students and their teachers – 42% picked your film as their favorite
· 129 Grade 3 students and their teachers – 67% picked your film as their favorite
· 43 Grade 1-4 Montessori students who – 51% picked your film as their favorite
Considering that there were 9 films in the package, the fact that over half (53% of all 359 votes received including the public screening) picked your film as their favorite is really quite wonderful! Congratulations!!
Terry Scerbak, Reel Shorts founder & program director
· 63 Grade 1 students and their teachers – 52% picked your film as their favorite
· 100 Grade 2 students and their teachers – 42% picked your film as their favorite
· 129 Grade 3 students and their teachers – 67% picked your film as their favorite
· 43 Grade 1-4 Montessori students who – 51% picked your film as their favorite
Considering that there were 9 films in the package, the fact that over half (53% of all 359 votes received including the public screening) picked your film as their favorite is really quite wonderful! Congratulations!!
Terry Scerbak, Reel Shorts founder & program director
CITIZEN JANE FILM FESTIVAL
The highlight was Foster Dog, directed by Lisa Alonso Vear. One of just four non-animated films in the collection, Foster Dog follows Henry, a lovable dog with crippled hind legs looking to get adopted in his “last chance at love.” It’s more dialogue-heavy than the other films, but the talking portrays the thoughts of Henry, as well as other dogs. Within this dialogue are jokes that are mostly aimed at children, but some adult jokes are covertly slipped in as well. - Reid Foster
Full Article.
Full Article.
Providence school to screen award-winning film ‘Foster Dog’
Posted Mar 10, 2016 at 9:30 PM
The film centers on the life of Finnegan, a disabled dog from Providence.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- On Saturday, March 12, Providence’s Met School will show the film short “Foster Dog.”
The film centers on the life of Finnegan, a disabled dog from Providence, through the eyes of shelter dog, Henry, and his quest to find a home. Along the way, Henry meets compassionate friends and caregivers at a local animal shelter.
The award-winning film short was written, directed and produced by Lisa Alonso Vear, of New York. Lizzie Dunn, Finn’s mom, says the premiere of “Foster Dog” will “hopefully raise awareness of the need for fosters, how important they are, and also raise awareness that adopting a ‘special needs’ pet can very well be the best decision one makes.”
The event takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Met’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, 325 Public St., Providence. Tickets are $20 in advance. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to local animal rescue shelters and organizations.
See article here.
The film centers on the life of Finnegan, a disabled dog from Providence.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- On Saturday, March 12, Providence’s Met School will show the film short “Foster Dog.”
The film centers on the life of Finnegan, a disabled dog from Providence, through the eyes of shelter dog, Henry, and his quest to find a home. Along the way, Henry meets compassionate friends and caregivers at a local animal shelter.
The award-winning film short was written, directed and produced by Lisa Alonso Vear, of New York. Lizzie Dunn, Finn’s mom, says the premiere of “Foster Dog” will “hopefully raise awareness of the need for fosters, how important they are, and also raise awareness that adopting a ‘special needs’ pet can very well be the best decision one makes.”
The event takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Met’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, 325 Public St., Providence. Tickets are $20 in advance. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to local animal rescue shelters and organizations.
See article here.