Very rarely do we see the other side of activism. Usually, films are on the side of those fighting the good fight for the cause, but almost never show what’s happening to the people who are wrongly abused because of an agenda. The Dog Lover is the first film (as far as I can recall) that has done just that.
Based on the true story of Dan Christensen, a dog breeder in South Dakota who’s farm was raided by a “reputable” organization and has his life turned upside down with false accusations. The film follows a young activist named Sara Gold (Allison Paige), who is working for the United Animal Protection Agency (UAPA), posing as a second year veterinary school student, who infiltrates Daniel Holloway’s (James Remar) farm as she has been lead to believe by the UAPA that it is nothing more than a “puppy mill.” When Gold’s video of a diseased neighbor’s dog attacking Holloway’s daughter, Abigail (Annabelle Kavanagh) is doctored, the family’s reputation, their business and their honor are put on display in the public court of opinion, while facing trial.
“We created the character of Sara Gold as the vet student, the reality is they had the press release written three days before the invasion. This all came out in the law suits. They did an undercover thing for about half a day, we elaborated it to where she goes there for a few weeks,” said executive producer Ali Afshar, who also plays the defense attorney, Raymond in this film.
For the first half of the movie, you are left wondering if Holloway is really the bad guy. He is aloof to the point of being suspicious, but it is later on that you understand why he needs to be that way. Luckily, the voices of hope for the family are his wife, Liz (Lea Thompson) a veterinarian and his son, Will (Jayson Blair). They humanize the family allowing the audience to understand why one mistake can cost you everything.
“Protect the Harvest is all about devillainizing farmers and ranchers and we came across this story that was so true to us, we were like, ‘We need to show both sides of the story, not every farmer is bad, not every rancher is bad, not every dog breeder is irresponsible.’ That’s why we went after this one. This really resonated with Alex (Ranarvelo) our director and myself,” said Afshar.
Shot on location in Pentaluma, CA, The Dog Lover was made on a budget of roughly $3 million with the production value of a $30 million film. It is visually stunning and emotionally exhausting as you long for this family to receive justice. Director Alex Ranarvelo was able to bring out the best performances possible on a shoot that was a little over 20 days.
“Alex (Ranarvelo) knew exactly what he wanted and knew how to go about getting it from his actors. Ali (Afshar) wore double hats as producer and actor and was gracious on every front. I enjoyed every minute with this cast and crew!” said Scott Manuel Johnson, who played Landon, the prosecuting attorney.
The importance of this film is that always know the facts and make sure that the cause you are fighting for is being supported by charities and organizations the way instead of claiming to do so, only in turn to fund a specific lobby with a political agenda. Most animal rights activist groups are going to hate this movie, because it may shine a light on them that they don’t want flashed in their direction.
“Learn the truth, ‘Investigate before you donate’ is the tagline, there are a lot of gray areas out there. American Humane Association is awesome that do have shelters where others don’t. You see these ads on tv and you really don’t know where the money is going, so you have to be cautious out there,” said Afshar about the message of his film.
The Dog Lover is out today in limited release and VOD and will be available on DVD, July 12, 2016.
- Movie Score
The Verdict
The Dog Lover is a movie that anyone who has ever donated to any cause must watch. Whether you are an animal rights activist, a human rights advocate or a person who has a heart. You want to know to make sure that you are the right side, without being dragged by the wrong reasons.
This was one of many reviews that was actually in favor of this film. That I found from professional reviews anyway.
I loved the movie and it’s moral. As with most movies based on true stories, it was very one sided which in my mind was perfect. Only because it is fighting organizations with a lot of money that they can fight back with. Because it condemns big organizations doesn’t mean they are all bad. Just like all dog breeders are not bad.
The title is a little misleading and while it sounds, by title alone, like a movie for the whole family it is not made or to be understood by young children.
To me it is a must see movie. It is a B film but a good one.
Like me, many people donate to organizations that they believe in; however, we rarely do “investigate before you donate” as stated at the end of the film.
Organizations such as the Humane Society do have kennels and do donate a small percentage of the money raised to the kennels. While I investigated enough to have once know the percentage I can’t remember the exact amount right now. Many other organizations donate less than 1% of your money to take care of animals. They are there to fight legislation. Again, investigate before you donate.
In my mind it made me think about my need to sit down with my budget and consider the need to donate to organizations that are locally based and that are already doing good work. Again, I think they deserve my time to investigate how they are run and where their other funds come from.
Watch “The Dog Lover” remembering that while based on a true story that it is written to show the bad side if an animal rights group and does not represent all animal rights groups.
I am a very big animal lover. I do not approve of raising animals in cages but I do approve of properly run breeding programs. I have owned a mix-matched batch of animals. Registered ones that I showed, ones for free from individuals, ones from animal shelters and sadly many sick dumped, flea infested dogs and cats. Also, many horses that I have taken in because the owners were not taking care of them or couldn’t.
I would say, give the movie a chance.