SXSW Film Preview: MINE: Taken by Katrina

Those Sarah McLachlan SPCA commercials make us damn near weep, but we watch them anyway. Changing the channel seems akin to turning our backs on the plight of innocent cats and dogs, so it only feels right to suffer through a montage of sad eyes and droopy tails before telepathically sending our love to these poor little souls and promising to help them if and when we are able.

Many people do more than we do. Instead of just radiating positive vibes into the universe, they transform their concern into action. They take care of their pets. They take care of other people’s pets. They find homes for the homeless. They make movies about animal rights, family bonds and the tragic consequences natural disasters and political bungling can bring to living beings.

Want evidence of such selflessness and commitment? MINE: Taken by Katrina, a 2009 SXSW Documentary Feature, explores issues of animal welfare against the backdrop of Hurricane Katrina. Lives were turned upside down when the storm blew through, and in the wake of the hurricane pets, as well as people, found themselves displaced and disoriented. Many lost animals ended up being taken in by caring folks around the country, but when the original guardians wanted their pets back, ugly custody battles often ensued.

Good intentions can apparently breed gut-wrenching results, and San Francisco filmmaker Geralyn Pezanoski was there to capture the drama. This is Pezanoski’s directorial debut (she has previously worked as the producer for the documentary series Firehouse), and her first feature looks to be filled with the kind of emotional depth we’ve come to expect from South by’s lineup of docs. A philosophical discussion about the idea of “owning” pets as well heartwarming yet complicated rescue stories await the viewers of this film, so bring a hanky if you, too, are one of those “In the Arms of an Angel” couch-criers. It’s okay. We get it.

MINE: Taken by Katrina will have its World Premiere Monday, March 16 at the Austin Convention Center. For more information, check out the SXSW Film Festival schedule.