By Steven Long
HOUSTON, (Horseback) – America is days away from the long awaited March premier of Saving America’s Horses, A Nation Betrayed in Los Angeles. The movie is by educator and documentary filmmaker Katia Louise, and Humanion Films, a project of Wild for Life Foundation.“The film is geared to pique the interest of a wide demographic, across multiple cultures and continents, so we are anticipating that it will run for quite some time and hopefully mark the end of an inhumane era for America’s horses and perhaps the beginning in a shift in cultural values,” she told Horseback Magazine.
Louise has produced, directed and anchored over a dozen investigative audio documentaries with an international audience spanning over 100 countries. Her work in cinema includes the documentary films “Spirit Brothers”, about the endangered wolves of Northern America, “A Day in Tribute” and “Celebration of Life.”
Savng America’s Horses, A Nation Betrayed has been accepted into several film festivals.
“Our production team has a selection process with factors to consider like programming and budgets,” she said. “The first festival screening is scheduled through the Los Angeles Women’s International Film Festival which takes place March 25th – 31st this year.”
Making a film about horses fulfills a childhood passion.
“Horses have been a part of my life since I was a young girl and I love them,” Louise said. “
That passion turned into action when she learned of horse slaughter for human consumption.
“For me, the minute I found out what was happening to them, that’s all it took and the more I learned the more I wanted to help them,” she said.
Leaders of the large equine advocacy movement have embraced the film and its producer from the beginning.
“There has been an enormous amount of support from the horse advocates,” she said. “They are the people who primarily care about the horses and they want to insure the humane treatment and welfare of both wild equines and domestic breeds.”
Louise says she has attempted to present the issue of both the horse processing industry and the controversial wild horse issue without bias
“We are presenting both sides of the issue through the film and we have extended an invitation to both sides in order to present the differing viewpoints as best possible.”
Thus far, while the film decidedly will have a pro-horse slant, “So far we have not had any push back from the “other side.”
The producer predicts a dismal future for the North American Mustang.
“The film presents a focus on the slaughter issue as it relates to both wild and domestic equines,” Louise says. “As far as the wild horses go, knowing what I know to be true about the BLM and their policies and activities; the days of the wild horses as we have always known them to be, wild and free in this country, are numbered at best under the current regime. That’s why the issue regarding wild horses needs to be brought to the public eye before it’s too late for the horses.”
The fill will feature only equine advocates who quietly do their work as unknowns, but can also boast appearances by outspoken celebrities that who frequently speak out for the horse. They include Michael Blake, Paul Sorvino, Linda Gray, Tippi Hedren, Ginger Kathrens, Nick Zito, Jane Velez-Mitchel, The Barbi Twins, Amy and Raelyn Nelson. Other celebrities are yet to be announced.
“Plus we have several very well recognized experts on board,” Louise said.
The producer hopes her film will be a catalyst for making a better world for the horse.
“The ultimate goal is to inspire change by exposing the truth,” she said.
All too often, the horse is an object most Americans admire from afar in a pasture, the rings of a circus, a movie, or at a sporting event such as rodeo or an equestrian competition.
“The film is a wakeup call to the members of the equine communities and to the public at large,” Louise say. “My true hope is that all viewers will take this issue to heart and become actively involved on behalf of what’s truly best for the horses. Horses have always been there for us, especially in times of need.”
Louise is concerned that Americans are oblivious to the plight of many horses who suffer extreme cruelty and agonizing deaths at the hand of man. She reserves her sharpest criticism for the nation’s largest veterinary organizations.
“There are a lot of people with their heads in the sand because it’s the easy thing to do, but I’d like to see the leaders of the professional equine organizations, like the AVMA and the AAEP take honest responsibility and live up to the level of respect they represent.”
Both organizations are loudly on record supporting equine slaughter as a solution for the problem of the over population and rampant backyard breeding of horses.
Louise says the final title of the film is still an open question.
“Once screened through a few festivals we may opt to change the title for theatrical release to A Nation Betrayed.
Horseback Magazine invites reader feedback on what the title of the film should be.
2011 Los Angeles Women’s International Film Festival Showing
It will screen on Sunday, March 27th at The Laemmle’s Sunset 5 Theater, 8000 W Sunset Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90046
SAVING AMERICA’S HORSES – A NATION BETRAYED is a compelling compilation of expert testimony, undercover footage and true life stories shot against the dramatic backdrops of America’s beautiful countryside. The film depicts a country divided and inspires great hope for the protection of all horses and burros from cruelty.
Julie Caramante: “As a cruelty investigator and someone deeply committed to banning the slaughter of American horses, I strongly applaud this important, straight-up film—it has the courage not to back down but to tell the un-whitewashed, miserable truth about horse slaughter”.
See the powerful OFFICIAL TRAILER for SAVING AMERICA’S HORSES A NATION BETRAYED at YouTube and on the official film website. “Saving America’s Horses-A Nation Betrayed brings to surface a topic which nobody wants to talk about in a way that everyone will want to see. “ –Kate Dudley
The film is currently being entered into the festival circuit as a showcase for industry reps and moviegoers. Donations are crucial in order to get this film into theatres and out on DVD. You can help the horses by helping us to bring this issue to the public eye. No donation is too small. Supporters are also encouraged to COLLABORATE. Individuals, groups and businesses can be recognized during the on screen credit role in the film for their support. Be an Equine Angel, receive Special Thanks, be a Championship Supporter, become a Sponsor, be a Good Will Ambassador, be a Celebrity Ambassador, Remember Your Horse, become a Producer, or Dedicate this film to a loved one. Groups and businesses can also raise funds collectively with screen credit going to the individual or group of their choice. These are a few different ways that you help bring this issue to the public eye. (Cut off: March 1, 2011 for screen credit to appear in world premiere) Learn more by visiting the official film website and go to the COLLABORATION page.
Saving America’s Horses is a Project under Wild for Life Foundation (WFLF), a CA 501 (c)(3) nonprofit corporation. Donations are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.
About the Festival: The 2011 Los Angeles Women’s International Film Festival runs from March 25 – March 31, 2011 and is produced by Alliance of Women Filmmakers Inc. a non-profit 501c (3) organization The Los Angeles Women’s International Film Festival was established to honor and advance the careers of accomplished and emerging female filmmakers by providing a forum for them to showcase their work to industry decision makers, as well as Southern Californian moviegoers.
Links:
http://www.savingamericashorses.org/home.html
Los Angeles Women’s International Film Festival
Laemmle’s Sunset 5 Theater
Link to PDF
Contact: admin[a]savingamericashorses.org
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