Katrina Dog Doc Mine Ducks the Real Question

Molly 01/14/2010 8:37:00 PM

I don't usually take the time to write on-line movie reveiws but I am compelled to write a comment in response to Mr. Hills' review of MINE. While I usually appreciate Mr. Wells' insight on film, I believe he completely missed the mark on this review. He's right -- this film is decidedly not about the tragic loss of lives that occurred as a consequence of Hurricane Katrina. Thankfully, there are many documentary films that are. This film, instead, chronicles the story of New Orleans residents as they attempt to reunite with pets who were adopted in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, and in doing so, it subtly, but powerfully, explores issues of class and race in the U.S., and how those issues surface through our views of pet "ownership." Is this the most important story that came from Katrina? Perhaps, and perhaps not. I'm guessing, however, that for the folks in the film -- and the many others who lost their treasured pets -- it's a pretty important story. And one which had not been told. And, ultimately, isn't that what good documentary films do? They give voice to stories that otherwise go unheard; it's not always the biggest or most colorful or even the most tragic story, but it's a story that needs to be heard. I, for one, commend Ms. Pezanoski for having the courage, the passion and the determination to ensure that this particular story gets told. This film provokes emotion, thought and discussion. For me, that's what documentary filmmaking is all about.