BIDDEFORD, Maine — Man’s best friend has earned that distinction for a reason and soon area residents will be able to pay tribute to all things pooch when the Bow Wow Film Festival makes a stop in the city.
Now in its third year, the Bow Wow Film Festival, which describes itself as an “innovative, traveling dog-themed film festival,” will screen in Biddeford as the first of three stops in Maine to celebrate the bond between humans and canines and features some of the many different ways our four-legged friends impact our daily lives.
According to Susan Kelley, the festival’s founder, the Bow Wow Film Festival celebrates, educates and inspires all things dog through the art of short film.
“It’s equal parts adventuresome, heartwarming and delightful and Bow Wow is a family-friendly show,” Kelley said.
The short films screened during the Bow Wow Film Festival are crafted by filmmakers who Kelley says are amazing storytellers, animators and artists and is a 90-minute extravaganza of award-winning, funny and moving shorts that will engage viewers as well as touch their hearts.
“We are so excited about the 2017-18 tour. The movies are phenomenal and we cannot wait to get out and share the event with our co hosting organizations,” Kelley said. “You will laugh and maybe even tear up a bit, but you can’t help but have a wonderful time at a Bow Wow.”
All three Bow Wow shows in Maine will benefit the Maine Federation of Humane Societies, a cohesive statewide network of humane organizations working to support animal welfare groups promote the adoption of homeless animals and responsible pet ownership, and to end pet overpopulation and animal cruelty through education, outreach, and advocacy.
Kelley said the short films shown during the film festival change annually, so each year, there are always new movies to see.
She said that since launching in 2015, more than $125, 000 has been raised at Bow Wow Film Festival events which has been used to benefit local animal welfare organizations and humane societies.
The Biddeford stop of the Bow Wow Film Festival will be at 7 p.m. March 14 at Smitty’s Cinema in Biddeford. Other stops for the festival in Maine will be in Waterville, at the Railroad Cinema, on March 28 and in Damariscotta, at the Lincoln Theater, on April 17.
Tickets are priced $12 and seating is limited, so advance ticket purchase is suggested.
As of 2017, more than 6 million dogs enter animal shelters every year, and about 44 percent of U.S. households have a dog. The top three most popular canine breeds in America in 2017 were Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers.
To purchase tickets online and see to view a trailer of this year’s film selections, visit BowWowFilmFest.com.
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