Purina Dog Chow proudly announces the debut of the "Service Dog Salute" film category at the 9th annual New York Dog Film Festival. This new category aims to spotlight the invaluable role of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) service dogs in the lives of military veterans through captivating visual storytelling.
Filmmakers are invited to submit original films, up to 10 minutes in length, to the "Service Dog Salute" category until July 15, 2024. Entries can employ various creative techniques, such as animation, stop-motion and illustrated narratives, focusing on the transformative impact of PTSD service dogs. Three finalists will be chosen to attend the New York Dog Film Festival in October 2024, with a celebrity guest judge announcing the winner.
The winning filmmaker will receive a $5,000 cash prize, while each finalist will be awarded $1,000. Moreover, all selected films will be showcased in theaters nationwide throughout 2025 as part of the festival's annual film tour.
In an effort to raise awareness and support for PTSD service dogs, Dog Chow will donate $5 to the Association of Service Dog Providers for every view of the winning "Service Dog Salute" film on its YouTube channel until Veterans Day (November 11, 2024), up to $75,000.
With veterans disproportionately affected by PTSD and the demand for service dogs surpassing availability, this initiative seeks to shed light on the vital role of service dogs in supporting veterans' mental health.
Tracie Hotchner, founder of the New York Dog Film Festival, expresses enthusiasm for this collaboration, highlighting the festival's dedication to celebrating the bond between dogs and their owners. Dog Chow's commitment to supporting veterans through initiatives like the Service Dog Salute campaign underscores its enduring dedication to military personnel.
For filmmakers interested in participating or learning more about the festival, visit www.DogChow.com/filmfestival or submit directly at www.FilmFreeway.com/DogFilmFestival.
