This film is phenomenal , too bad its nearly impossible to find online.
The editing could be tweaked to modernize it, (some has a 70's feel, but hey the 70s were the best, right) but the sound and photography is moving and brilliant.
The juxtaposition of the ancient Wayang, or Indonesian puppet "movie" is compelling. I had never seen a dog in 2d wayang before.
The interviews are concise, and the footage of the dogs being "cleaned out" is very difficult to watch, for most people who love dogs.
It provides just a glimpse of ancient Balinese tradition and family structure, with the focus on the dog and this Rabies virus which has invaded the island, and what it means to have an island paradise that is distinct from the rest of the world.
The sad thing is that it is happening all over again in Bali. Although they are conducting free vaccinations, The governments official policy, or that of or at least some of the bosses, is to kill any dog that is roaming freely. Using strychnine as is shown in the films trailer on youtube. The dog dies by seizures, slowly choking on its vomit and exhausting itself , like an insect hit with bug spray.
Also , what is going on is a pogrom ( like the "Hotel Rwanda" of dogdom) , in which the citizens are encouraged to participate (given license to kill) , by disinformation that the dogs are filthy, carry disease , all have rabies and are not worth the risk to keep around.
And just last year they could sleep under the stars on the Kuta Beach.
Before, when the rabies did start to drop, the government's position was " Vaccinated dogs, especially street dogs, are our comrades in the fight against rabies. Every vaccinated dog is recruited into a virtual 'army against rabies.'"
but somehow he forgot, changed his mind, or the idea is too complex vs "kill them all!" , he acts the way the people want, and other powerful figures such as property developers
Also, you may want to Google "Kuta Marky" , you will see a tragic story there. Its interesting because the filmmaker Dr. Blair also has lost one eye during his adventures in the wilds of Indonesia. And see on Facebook Bali Animal Welfare Association for updates on situation.
I have had the pleasure to know two of these magical creatures. Having evolved naturally they have pointy eyes , perfect teeth, self grooming, gentles, but with long fangs of a wolf, amazing charm and athletic abilities , and a tremendous sociability. They maintain a somewhat looser bond with humans than a western breed as they can be self-sufficient, but they like to sleep in a house or bed rather than the street. They choose their owners like in the film "Red Dog", and after a while love and be loved just like a domestic dog.
And now , starting this year, they can't walk their own streets and beaches without risk of eating poison bait, being shot by a poison dart, or being clubbed and taken for dog meat. Many dog meat users believe the dog must be tortured for the meat to have the best effect, the theory, being that adrenaline is in the meat. The was proved to false, but even so, its is psychotic and an unconscionable betrayal of "mans best friend" .
Like all of the Blair films, this one makes you believe in magic. And Bali is a place where it still seems to exists, despite the 3 new Starbucks that went up last year. However the dark forces are on top and I can only hope the black dog of vengeance enters the stage and this injustice is stopped before rabies goes out of control, a paradise is lost, and a very unique land race of dog is gone.
A very moving and relevant film, please find and watch it, and then help with the cause to save the Bali Street Dog from extinction and torture
