Holler Presents, a group of filmmakers based in Beckley, WV, has produced another wonderful film. This new one, 31 minutes long, is called “The Education of Bertie Mae McClanahan.” (You can watch the entire film at their website.) It tells the story of a small mixed-breed pooch who finds a new home and lots of new friends.
A narrator, speaking in Spanish (with subtitles) is the voice of Bertie as she explores her new world. As a lover of any and all films about dogs in particular, I really enjoyed this unique film about the life of a pet.What was particularly interesting, besides the narration from the dog’s viewpoint, was the “doggie cam,” showing the world from the point of view of the small pooch.
I liked the film much more than “Marley & Me,” the commercial Hollywood film. Anyone who loves dogs or pets of any kind would find this film hilarious and soulful, especially the surprise ending.
Terry Lively recently completed a really great film about WV dogs and the people who love them, “Coondog Heaven.” Watching that film made me realize that despite all the horror stories on the TV news about animal abusers, there are many, many people who are kind to their animals, and some like the Shaffers are even literal saints.
This film is also interesting because it shows the dynamic between the new male owner who never had a dog growing up and this innocent little pooch. I thought the film was very honest, insightful and funny showing how a first-time dog owner and a loving small pooch got to be friends.
Both recent dog documentaries have special relavance for WV since three films, based on a series of award-winning books about an abused beagle name “Shiloh” is set in WV. Roger Ebert called the films “the best dog films since Ol’ Yeller.” I agree. And both of these two new docs are even better! They show the real creatures as they live and breathe.
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