New Film About Pets in Katrina

There is a new documentary film entitled Mine: Taken by Katrina" about the story of animals left behind during the hurricane that is being screened at local film festivals around the country. Currently in Boston (April 25 and 26), at the Independent Film Festival Boston, the film has generated rave reviews.

Mine is a compelling story not only of the bonds between humans and animals, but also of race and class and the power of compassion in contemporary America. It is also a fine and thoughtful portrayal of the intersection between culture and policy as it tells the story of hurricane victims struggling to reunite with their pets after the storm.

Hurricane Katrina was one of those pivotal moments in the history of our country that demonstrated on a large scale basis the role of pets in our society. When shelters refused to take pets, owners refused to leave, risking their own lives. Those that were forced to evacuate were heart-sick at having to leave their companion animals behind. The power of the relationship between pets and their owners actually forced a change in public policy with regard to future evacuations.

You can watch a trailer of the film here and also find out if it is coming to your neighborhood. The documentary has already won the Audience Award for Best documentary at SXSW in 2009.