The bark of the annual Bow Wow Film Festival was silenced in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But the fifth annual event featuring reels of canine companions returns to the Parkway Theater next week.
Bow Wow fest returns to Minneapolis with dog films and 'one gratuitous cat video'
There will be both virtual and in-person screenings.
May 14, 2021 at 1:03PM
With limited seating due to continuing COVID restrictions, the benefit for Wags & Whiskers Rescue of Minnesota, a nonprofit dedicated to homeless animals and responsible pet ownership, also will be held virtually. There will be a virtual auction, too. In-person tickets include an online link for virtual viewing.
Festival founder Susan Kelley is proud to present the festival again after rescheduling three times because of the pandemic.
"It's just a feel-good event and it's great to support independent theaters like the Parkway," said Kelley.
She hopes the virtual and in-person combination will create a bigger market. After viewing about 40 submissions, Kelley curated the film festival down to 15 shorts in person and 20 online. Footage features breathtaking winter scenery as a man takes to the mountains with his dog, a warmhearted tale of finding homes for senior dogs and a story of brave canines that help sea turtles.
Kelley said there's also "one gratuitous cat video, it's a tear-jerker about an adorable couple in Florida who have a cat sanctuary and rescue hospice for older cats."
Emceeing Bow Wow is former Fox 9 features reporter M.A. Rosko, who covered Wags & Whiskers in the past and is a dachshund rescue dog lover. She applauds Wags & Whiskers for the work they do, noting that animals are kept in volunteer foster homes until permanent placement is found.
Owner of two dachshunds, Franz and Enzo, Rosko welcomes the return of an in-person event.
"I haven't eaten inside a restaurant in more than a year, but it's going to be great to be in front of people again."
Bow Wow Film Festival: 2 p.m. May 23. $11 virtual or in person; $39 virtual family. Parkway Theater, 4814 Chicago Av. S., Mpls. Schedule and buy tickets at bit.ly/2RNw5j0.
Sin City attempts to lure new visitors with multisensory, interactive attractions, from life-size computer games to flying like a bird.
