Dog Run

What a beautifully made film, it outlines the plight of Slavery, and is very thought provoking. It is brilliantly directed and the casting locations are well thought out and the players heart rendering performance. It is accopanied by a haunting musical score which ads to the atmosphere Whilst it has a sense of sadness, it gives glimmers of hope in dreadful circumstances.

It brings to the fore a subject matter that is an everyday occurrence.

It deals with Modern Slavery in a sensitive and brutally truthful way which leaves the audience moved in so many ways as the plot develops.

A must see...

This superb short award-winning masterpiece, written and directed by Lorna Nickson Brown is not only about the main theme of employment exploitation, but also the healing power of nature. The initial scenes capture the casual cruelty of human trafficking and the endless cycle of violence, but then scene atmospheres switch back and forth -violence and cruelty to sympathy and kindness, bringing out different and contrasting emotions in the viewer. A powerful film with superb photography and great casting and performances, notably Paula Wharton's May's detestable, selfish character 'May' and Sid Phoenix's heartrending 'Jan'. A thought provoking and powerful film which also packs a important and topical message. Equality and respect not only between humans but also between us and the animal kingdom. Lorna has achieved the absolutely maximum possible quality outcome from the relatively low budget. On our doorstep today are modern day slavery but also a wonderful natural world populated by beautiful creatures. We don't pay enough attention to these points but Dog Run successfully shakes us out of our malaise by linking the two beautifully. A highly entertaining and impressive film which rewards the viewer on many levels.

I found this film genuinely affecting. Strong script and a touching lead performance sell the grounded premise with grit and texture. Modern slavery isn't given nearly enough attention in our culture, and a narrative that portrays it's victims with empathy and understanding serves an important purpose. Really impressed by the filmmaking talent on display and excited to see the arrival of a new filmmaking voice.

Also impressed by the smaller technical details, which speak to a talented and commited crew. I work in film, and I couldn't help but notice the purposeful production design and defy sound work.

Bearing in mind that Dog Run only runs for 23 minutes, it is a phenomenally perceptive look at the issues surrounding modern slavery. It has just the right emotional edge to tell the story of the main protagonists without becoming sensationalised or even overly sentimental. It is beautifully directed with great attention to detail in terms of the choice of location and music as well as the supporting cast. Indeed, all of the individual choices made by the director, in addition to the thought-provoking performance by the cast, ensure that this short film is a modern masterpiece that provides important social commentary.

The film's greatest strength lies in its ability to evoke genuine emotion. The chemistry between the actor and his canine co-star is palpable, creating a truly moving relationship that evolves significantly even in the short screen time of this film.

Without giving too much away, the film is a reflection on many themes, some more obvious than others. It makes you think about the relationships we have with each other, but also with the environment around us, which becomes a character in the film as well. Through the beautiful cinematography, the landscapes and set become characters just as much as any of the hun the film. Recommended for a contemplative and powerful short film.