The Dogwalker

This is independent cinema at its best. The film follows a young woman who escapes her abusive boyfriend to find herself mugged, money less, and homeless, in LA. She wakes up in a dog park and is befriended by an older woman with a sketchy past. That begins the young woman's journey to find herself and the strength to stand up and face her fears. Jacques Thelemaque directs with a meditative simplicity that is hypnotic. This film is not only for dog owners, but anyone who is searching for something. Minus the car chases, and the typical Hollywood style sensationalism, this is a character driven story with a simplicity that reaches far beyond what's on the surface. The universe has a message for all of us, all we have to do is pay attention.

Jaques Thelemaque and Diane Gaidry are a husband and wife team that are finding their voice as filmmakers through this story of Ellie, a quiet, lost woman who is searching for her path in life. In this, their first feature, they achieve storytelling of a much more mature level than most first features. How wonderful to explore the hope that animals provide us; we so often take that for granted. Pamela Gordon gives a wonderful, gritty performance. No nonsense with her. Such a loss when she passed away in real life. Go see this film, and watch for future films by Jacques Thelemaque. Look up Diane Gaidry. She's been in countless films recently as an actress, and recently won an award!

Loved it. And I'm a lawyer who generally can find an argument against almost any movie. Simple, authentic, smart and very touching. Can't ask for more. Nonetheless, I just submitted this and they said I needed a minimum of ten lines. So, I'll say that the acting is marvelous. Saw here on IMDB that the older actress, Pamela Gordon, died recently. That's sad. She was great. The younger one, Diane Gaidry, was great, too. Sorta has a young Melanie Griffith quality. Would love to see more stuff that she's in.

Don't normally write in for things like this, but saw the movie listed at another festival today and thought I should show my support to say thanks for a very enjoyable and profound hour and a half.

In the true spirit of independent film-making, writer/director Jacques Thelemaque and his wife/ partner, gifted actress Diane Gaidry, create a sensitive yet powerful film that is reminiscent of Cassavetes and Rowland collaborations in the past. The late Pamela Gordon also gives a stellar performance, as together this team puts a very truthful portrayal, a slice of real life up on the screen. Dogwalker is a touching story about healing old wounds and finding new friendship, love and hope in rebuilding one's life. Thelemaque directs with a master's touch, and his style reminds me of the best offerings from John Sayles. The fact that both Thelemaque & Gaidry are co-founders of Filmmakers Alliance in Los Angeles, and that that very community contributed immensely to making the film, sets them apart in the independent world as leaders who put their money where their heart is, and deliver the goods when they themselves are out in the field. To not see this accomplishment of theirs is to doubt the very foundation of independent film-making. And if you're a filmmaker, see this film and celebrate in their triumph, so you can be inspired by what's possible and aim high in your own aspirations.

This is an amazing and touching film. You don't even have to be a dog lover to enjoy it! Although the title may lead you to think that it's merely a film about dogs, it's about so much more. This film explores an array of important issues such as cancer and domestic abuse powerfully, but without being preachy or heavy handed.

Jacques Thelemaque writes and directs with honesty and grace, and the performances by Diane Gaidry and Pamela Gordon are authentic and full of real human emotion, which seems to be missing from most independent films these days. This is the kind of independent film that deserves your support, go see it and I guarantee you will not be disappointed!