MINE

The story of Katrina's smallest victims -- and those who worked to save them.

Thousands of American citizens lost their lives in Hurricane Katrina -- hundreds of thousands of animals did. 

 This May, ReelTime @ The Radio Room presents MINE, the award-winning documentary that tells the stories of those that survived. As millions across the nation watched the horrifying footage of devastation in the wake of one of the country’s worst natural disasters, many were particularly struck by the images of thousands of beloved pets left behind. These images galvanized a cadre of intrepid rescue workers, animal rights advocates and devoted animal lovers who descended upon New Orleans in a desperate and impassioned attempt to save the lives of these forgotten victims. 

In the six weeks that ensued, animals were rounded up in the hopes they would be reunited with their owners. But with so many owners displaced and unable to return to the city, most of the animals were sent to shelters across the country to be fostered until they were claimed or adopted out to new families. But limited resources and inadequate tracking information meant most went unclaimed and were ultimately euthanized. The rest were adopted out without their owners’ knowledge and consent. As these owners trickled back into the city, many began a desperate search to locate their companions. What followed was a myriad of tear-jerking and uplifting stories -– stories of fruitless searches; happy returns; custody battles; deep friendships formed between total strangers; and stories of personal growth and transformation. 

 “We met and interviewed hundreds of people over the years, and what emerged was the profound story of the bond between humans and animals, and the power of that bond to ameliorate human suffering. Equally striking, however, were stories of both the continuing prevalence of racism and classism in America and the incredible power of compassion in the wake of tragedy." - Director-Producer Geralyn Pezanoski 

MINE is director-producer Geralyn Pezanoski’s feature directorial debut. As co-founder of Smush Media, Pezanoski has over twelve years of experience in film and video production. Her other directing credits include the doc series FIREHOUSE. She and her husband currently reside in San Francisco with their dog Nola, whom she adopted through the Katrina rescue effort. MINE has garnered stellar reviews and screened at festivals nationwide where it has earned numerous awards including the audience award for best documentary at last year’s SXSW festival and official selection at the Silverdocs Film Festival. It is unique in its presentation of a facet of Katrina’s aftermath largely untouched by mainstream media. 

 “One from the heart. Smart, sincere and affecting.” - Manhola Dargis, THE NEW YORK TIMES

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