By Layla Kalinen
Eagle Times Staff
WINDSOR, VT — The Lucy Mackenzie Humane Society is hosting the online premiere of “The Journey Home,” a short film written, directed and filmed by a professional filmmaker who wants to remain anonymous and hopes the film will spark donations for the animal shelter.
Shelter Executive Director Jackie Stanley said the film, which will premiere online at 7 p.m., Tuesday, features close to a dozen animal actors with four main characters and is written from the perspective of the animals, a decision made by the anonymous filmmaker.
“He shot the film over the course of two years, entirely — remarkably — on an iPhone. He wore all hats in this labor of love, including filming, directing, editing, sound and score design,” Stanley said. “This unique gift has given us an equally unique opportunity for us to fundraise on behalf of the animals and people we serve.”
Stanley said the four main characters are Miss Potts, a chubby elderly calico; Lilac, a mixed hound; Oliver the old English sheepdog; and Harley, a mixed Siamese, who are joined by a larger cast of supporting animal actors. The cast of surrendered animals live out their real life lives from awakening in the morning until bedtime and into the beginning of their journey to what Stanley called, their “forever homes.”
“The film really is told from the animals’ perspective and the shelter life. You know, from the moment they are in the shelter the normal routine and then through to adoption,” Stanley said.
She also said the personalities of their animal community are diverse and they are very compassionate with others, human or animal.
“One of the main characters, Harley, a pretty little mixed Siamese, is the first one that be adopted. Their adoptable friend leaves the shelter, and they aren’t sad,” Stanley said. “They seem happy for their friend because they had really do have a great life in the shelter, but they have hope while they’re waiting their turn to find their forever home.”
Stanley said the movie fundraiser will be used to support the shelter and in addition, a low-cost veterinary outpost to help support people and their companions not being separated because of finances. LMHS offers monthly neuter and spay clinics, as well as other offerings to help offset the rising costs of pet ownership
A link to view the film will be posted on all of Lucy Mackenzie’s social media accounts (including YouTube, Facebook and Twitter) in addition to their website at lucymac.org, at 7 p.m., Tuesday.
The shelter is located at 4832 Route 44 in Windsor.
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