Underdogs
At the California Men’s Colony in Central California, a special connection forms between dogs and their inmate handlers who train them to become fully operational service animals.
Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Alex Astrella
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I made this film to show how the intimate bond that inmate dog handlers have with their service animals allows them to feel connected to the outside world; it gives them a purpose to keep going.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
These men are more than just "inmates"; they are humans just like you and me. Sure, they have made their mistakes in life. But connecting with the dogs in the same way a parent connects and cares for a child allows them to feel a sense of worth. Knowing that they are helping veterans and first responders with PTSD means they can give back to the community they once wronged. This alone makes them strive to be better individuals, even on the inside.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
I think the theme of compassion and resilience are big themes in my film. It's something I didn't really anticipate going into the prison, but once I was there those emotions and attitudes were definitely on display.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
I knew there was something special when I was at the prison in person, but after watching the candid interactions of the inmates and their dogs in the editing loft, I realized that the rapport these guys developed with their animals was pretty amazing. As I kind of mentioned before, they care for the dogs the way a parent cares for a child. That's why I truly believe every single one of them is deserving of a second chance.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
It's been humbling. I am so grateful to both the men who shared their stories of resilience with me in addition to the audiences who have personally identified and connected with the film
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
Again, it's been very rewarding and sincere. The best part of Underdogs screening at festivals is when people in the audience come up to me after the film and share a personal story of how they relate to a certain part or a certain character. That, to me, is beyond cool
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I think just by it being more visible will allow it to hopefully make an impact in more people who watch it. I also hope it changes their perception on inmates, who the media typically depicts as thugs and guys who should be far removed from the rest of American society.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Distributors, buyers, more press coverage would be amazing
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
If Underdogs is able to make a notable impact in anyone's life, that's all I could really ask for.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
While I think it's great that social media is being used to promote injustice and wrongdoings across the globe, I think the community of those incarcerated is still widely neglected. I hope that by highlighting programs like the New Life K9 program in Underdogs and how it benefits the guys on the inside, people will use their social media presence to advocate for better rehabilitative programs for those in prison in the same way they vehemently demand for change in other areas of American life.
Would you like to add anything else?
Just a sincere thank you to anyone who has taken the time to watch the film. I don't think words can really express how awesome it is that something I created could make a lasting impression on somebody.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I am currently working on a film about my family friend who is an orthopedic surgeon living with polio. Being an immigrant from Taiwan, her family brought her to the United States with the intent to get her better treatment for her polio. Now, with the help of crutches, she is able to perform surgeries and is one of the most esteemed orthopedic surgeons in Southern California.
Interview: March 2022
We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
Underdogs
Length:
15:44
Writer/Director/Producer
ALEX ASTRELLA is a writer and director hailing from Orange County California. With his documentaries, he hopes to give a voice to those relegated to the background in mainstream American society.
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/alex.astrella.3/
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/astrellatop4/
More info:
Where can I watch it?
Kanab Film Film and Food Frenzy/ Kanab UT-April 21st, San Luis Obispo International Film Festival/ San Luis Obispo, CA-April 27th, Arizona International Film Festival/Tucson, AZ-April 24th, Fort Myers Beach International Film Festival, Kansas City Film Fest-April 27th.