“Pets on Prozac…the height of compassion, or an overly indulgent society chasing its tail?” This is the tag line for Patrick Reed‘s latest documentary Pet Pharm, premiering this Thursday, Nov. 4 at 9pm ET on CBC-TV and Friday, Nov. 5th at 10pm ET/PT on CBC News Network.Pet products are North America’s fastest growing retail sector, with over 53 billion dollars in annual sales. Doggy spas offer “pawdicures” and “doga”, or canine yoga; celebrity chefs dish up treats at pet delis; and everything from braces to stem cell transplants to heart surgery is now available for your pet, assuming you can afford it.

In Pet Pharm, Reed investigates the newest trend which is the most controversial and revealing: psychoactive drugs for pets. Identifying a multi-billion dollar untapped market, Big Pharma has just developed and released a handful of designer drugs for pets, treating aggression, separation anxiety, obesity and diminished mental capacity related to aging, with many more medications to follow, such as the explosion of the CBD for Pets industry, after the legalization of marijuana in some countries people are also looking for CBD medication for their pets to calm and heal certain ailments. As the industry continues to grow, there will be alternative ways for pet owners to administer CBD to their animals. Not only can it be put in their food, but it can also be placed on their gums or ears, (Get more info here). This could be particularly helpful if your animal is aggitated, and won’t let you administer it in the way that you normally would. When it comes to the health of your pets, you could be willing to try anything to help them feel better. Reed looks at this unfolding phenomenon from a number of perspectives including those of experts in the field like Dr. Nicholas Dodman and Dr. Ian Dunbar, who represent the polar opposite positions on psychoactive drugs for pets. Dr. Dodman, founder of Tufts University Animal Behaviour Clinic near Boston, a pioneer in the field of animal behavioral pharmacology, is now the preeminent proponent of pet pharm. At the other end of the spectrum, Pet Pharm follows Dr. Ian Dunbar of Berkeley, California, a strong advocate of the benefits of training vs drugs, as he meets with clients who bring him dogs with behavioral problems, like marking their territory all around the house or aggression. A lot of the bad behaviours dogs have are usually taught to them by previous or uneducated owners and more often than not, they can be taught how to behave properly although it can take some time depending on the age of the dog. It used to be that if someone owns a pet with behavioral problems, they’d probably look into pet insurance from providers such as Pets Best or others in hopes a vet can guide them to rehabilitating their pet, now pet owners can use an abundance of psychotropic drugs in the aim of changing their behavior from a chemical stand-point.

It is Pet Pharm’s stories of pet owners on the front lines, struggling with their pets troublesome and even threatening behaviours, with the decision of whether to medicate or not, that are the most telling, and compelling.

Take the Taillefer family of North Bay, ON: Jason and Corrine didn’t think they had a problem with their dog Jake, until he suddenly and viciously attacked Corinne’s face, which required 264 stitches. The Taillefers’ have refused to put Jake on medication, but now, with their 15 month old son Porter in the mix, it’s time to take Jake back to trainer Kerry Vinson.

Sisters and cat owners Emily and Jessica Lockhart of Toronto are very close and enjoy living together, but their cats don’t get along. Priscilla, an eight year old tabby Emily adopted from an animal shelter, developed a compulsive licking disorder, aggravated by attacks from Jessica’s two tomcats. Despite being given anti-anxiety medication, Priscilla’s condition hasn’t really improved, and as a result the sisters are considering moving apart to separate the animals from each other.

Toronto dog owner Jen Hart’s hound Zeke is friendly towards everyone except her long-term boyfriend Greg, who was bitten by Zeke three weeks after they began dating. Zeke must now be muzzled when in the same room as Greg. Half a dozen trainers later, with limited success, Jen doesn’t want to have to choose between the man she loves and Zeke, who is an essential part of her life. After much struggle and resistance to the idea, Jen decides to try a Prozac regime for Zeke.

In Oakville, Ontario, Claire Labelle’s Timi has a lot of aggression for a tiny teacup poodle, barking incessantly and not hesitating to attack strangers as well as Claire and her sister Claudette. For Claire, medication to “take the edge off” is a necessity while she strives to bring him under control with training tips from her veterinarian.

After seeing this film, I had mixed feelings about the whole issue. The amount of information presented in this film is vast and leaves you thinking about it and asking questions for some time after. I had the chance to ask director Patrick Reed a few of my questions and chat a bit more about the film. Here is what transpired.

HM: First of all, how did the idea for the project come about? Was it yours, was it pitched?

Patrick Reed: I saw an odd headline about pets on Prozac a few years ago. It turned out to be a provocative subject matter with interesting characters dealing with human dilemmas. Since I had done some freelance work for White Pine Pictures, I have a good relationship with them. So, we pitched the idea to CBC docs and they got involved from the beginning.

HM: The characters in the film are so open with you and the crew. How did you find them and involved in the film? And how long did the whole project take to complete?

PR: Actually, I worked with a young researcher, Jessie R. in finding the characters for the film. We met with potential participants to get to know them and figure out who would be involved. The project overall took about a year from the beginning to end. Filming took about three months. We used one camera and sound person while one of use was interviewing the families. Sometimes, we’d have to wait to wait about three or four times of filming to see if any changes happened with their pets. The families themselves actually believe the struggle they’re going through affects other people. Jen and Greg, for example, their dog is so aggressive that we appreciated their level of comfort while we filmed, since Zeke would act up against Greg.

HM: Given that antidepressants and anxiolytics can cause side effects on humans, how are the effects of these drugs being monitored in pets… Do vets conduct clinical trials, follow-ups and so on?

PR: Well, this is an interesting question. Dr. Dodman, for example, has his heart in the right place. He deals with very extreme cases. (HM: “I’m in conflict with him.”) Dr. Dodman says that brain chemistry is not a behavioural issue. When we were filming in his clinic in the US, he would prescribe various antidepressants. But he would tell his clients to buy the generic brand; he wasn’t pushing Eli Lily nor any other “label.” What is interesting is that Big Pharma makes money marketing these drugs not necessarily to extreme cases but to any pet. It’s preying on people’s good intentions for their pets. This is and should be a concern.

Dr. Dunbar and others say that extreme cases may be due to the environment; or maybe people need to get another pet, take them out on more walks or it may be a training issue. It is hard to discern. In Japan, there is a huge potential to market pet pharmaceuticals. There, it’s the opposite of the West; pet owners see their pets as surrogate children. But pet owners themselves are not necessarily susceptible to use medications themselves. This is a marketing challenge for Big Pharma.

HM: Given that you have done many films that relate to the human condition, what does this say about us as a society?

PR: Well, we cannot control behaviour with medications… we don’t want that. We have to look at who is offers a solution and see their interest in this solution. In all honesty, people’s intentions are good. And we have to realize that in extreme cases, if they do not get medication, they will be put in a shelter or be put down. Pets are part of our families and for many, they can replace a child. Thus, we have do realize that most people want the best for those they care about, including their pets. That is part of the human condition. We do have to remember, however, that dogs used to be “working dogs,” as Dr. Dunbar says. We have to give them an outlet and a role in the family. They are not necessarily children; they are not extensions of ourselves and we need to keep this in mind.

HM: Can you give us an update on how the families in the film are doing since you stopped filming?

PR: Well, I can start by saying that that Zeke has seen some improvement. Jen & Greg have put him on & off the medication for a few months now. He has gone for a number of weeks without a muzzle but when he is off the medication, his aggressive behaviour returns. This is a quality of life issue and they are still trying to balancing things out. As for Jessica, Emily and their cat Priscilla, they are still living together. Priscilla went off the medication and is back to her compulsive behaviour. For the Taillefer family, Jake and every one else is doing fine. He is not on any medications. The owners are very vigilant around him and they’re making things work… This is so much work given that they have children. Finally, Claire and Claudette are still dealing with Timi’s outbursts. His last medication was not very good. He is on antidepressants again. He is not going for walks outside the home but does exercise around the house. Basically, everyone is trying to make it work for themselves.

HM: Lastly what other projects are you working on?

PR: I just finished a film about a soap-opera produced in Kenya. It is called The Team. We have submitted it to the International Documentary Festival in Amsterdam this month.

This is not only an informative documentary whether you own a pet or not. It is also a look at a topic that is often controversial with humans and that is now affecting our pets. I hope you find is as interesting as I did and that you engage in your conversations on the subject.

Again, the film airs Thursday on CBC-TV at 9PM and Friday at 10PM on CBC News Network. For more information on the film and Peter Reed’s other projects go here.

*Info and photos provided by VKPR.

imagineNATIVE film + media arts festival had an impressive line up of films this year. Here is my recap of the films I was able to screen.

Boy
New Zealand
Director: Taika Watiti
Synopsis: The year is 1984 at the height of “Thriller”-mania in the beautiful Waihau Bay on the east coast of New Zealand. Eleven-year-old Boy spends his days idolizing Michael Jackson, talking to a goat, and taking care of his strange little brother Rocky (who has magical powers) and a band of deserted cousins. Boy’s other hero is his absent father, Alamein. But when Alamein suddenly arrives back in town, Boy is forced to reconcile his imagined idol with the reality of who his father is – a childish wannabe gangster just released from prison. This heartwarming and funny coming-of-age story finds hope in the pain of the disillusionment through the optimism and whimsical imaginings of a young boy.

My thoughts: An interesting look at a sport I had never heard of before. What makes this even more interesting is seeing Anne Risten and Enna II race. Anne Risten is quite determined to win and continue racing but her aging reindeer is not able to keep up. A nice introduction to the world of reindeer racing and the bond these animals form with those that train and care for them.

Rober de Jesús Guachetá

(The Work Goes On)

Colombia

Director: Cineminga Collective

Synopsis: In this region of Colombia plagued by drug traffickers and paramilitary squads, Rober de Jesús Guachetá believed in the power of education. At 41 years old, Rober was a visionary. His goal was to build a community-based school where Human Rights and Sustainable Development would be taught alongside Family Planning. An advocate for the people, Rober was committed to exposing corruption within his community. But it was this undeniable crusade for truth that led to his brutal, cold-blooded murder. Intimate interviews and shocking archival footage breathe life into this powerful story of one man’s search for justice.

My thoughts: This film shows the dangerous realities indigenous people often face in an effort to maintain their traditions and teach them to the new generations. Unfortunately, this story is too common in such communities in Central and South America. Guachetá was one of many indigenous leaders who’s been killed in the past decade because they spoke openly about wanting changes in their communities. The locals want to and continue to have control of their education and keep their history alive. Thus, Guachetá’s death has not been in vain. A not-so-short film that I wish the authorities or “powers that be” would see in Colombia.

Y El Rio Sigue Corriendo

(And The River Flows On)

Mexico

Director: Carlos Efraín Pérez Rojas

Synopsis: Since 2003, the Mexican government has been pushing to build the La Parota hydro-electric dam in Guerrero, which would flood several communities south of Acapulco, dislocating the Indigenous people who live there. As many campesinos rise up in opposition to the dam, tensions run high in the communities and violence escalates.

My thoughts: Another documentary from Latin America that shows us the struggle between small indigenous communities and the multinational corporations looking to make another buck. It was great to see some of the elder women talk about candidly about the problems such projects like La Parota bring to their communities. As one puts it, “where do the plan to relocate us?” The government just keeps lying about their intentions to help the locals. “The project has no benefits for us”, says another elder. “Los campesinos no queremos este proyecto.” What is even more tragic is that some of those protesting the hydro-electric dam are being killed; not unlike Guachetá was in Colombia. Of course, the representatives for La Parota project explain it as a benefit to the municipality and community as a whole. What I like about this film is that it shows how organized communities can have their say. It’s also great to see them speak about how they have been living off the land for many years and that they will keep living off this land. The opposition continues…

The documentary, I Don’t Have Time for This: Diagnosed With Breast Cancer When You Least Expect It, follows the personal journeys of 35-year-old Clare, a happily married teacher and mother, Crystal, 34, a vibrant casting director and mother of a toddler, 30-year-old Janelle, who is planning the wedding of her dreams, Sylvia, 25, a young world traveler trying to find her passion as she dabbles in modeling, and recent graduate Claudia, 24, newly-engaged and looking forward to starting a career, marriage and parenthood. These women have too much to live for. Lumpectomies, mastectomies, chemotherapy, radiation, egg extraction, treatment schedules – who’s got the time?

LCCA, CANORAA & ROZINA KAZI PRESENT A CONTEMPORARY ARTS FESTIVAL
“LATIN-AFRO-SOUTH ASIAN FESTIVAL”

October 22, 2010 – LULA LOUNGE – Music, Dance and Video
October 30, 2010 – TRANE STUDIO – Music and Dance
November 5, 2010 – GLADSTONE HOTEL – Music and Dance

In case you didn’t know… “The Latin-Afro-South Asian Festival is a 3-day contemporary multi-disciplinary arts festival presented by the Latino Canadian Cultural Association, CANORAA and ROZINA KAZI that shows the fusion between the different cultures and roots of the Latin American, African and South Asian artists involved and the influence of the multicultural society where they work and reside. The artists’ starting point is their own cultural background and experiences, going through the discovery first, and then the sharing of other cultures, to finally, develop and transform them into a new and original product.

This multidisciplinary festival presents high quality artists within their different disciplines. This Festival will include Music, Dance and Video.

This Festival is about the interaction and influence of the Culture and Art of the 3 communities involved. Involving Music, Dance and Video, trying to find elements in common.”

FRI. OCT 22nd, 2010 @ 7:30 PM – Cover: $ 5
LULA LOUNGE – 1585 Dundas St. W., Toronto (416) 588 0307

Artists’ List

Video screening by Alex Flores (Mexico) and Guillermina Buzio (Argentina), Lucero Milchorena (Mexico) and Alejandro Freeland (Argentina)
SNMFASH Fashion Show
Music by Bruno Capinan (Brazilian Music)
Music by Jacques Yams (African Music)
Music by The Tabla Guy (South Asian Music)
Dance by Mind the Gap (Contemporary Dance)

As you see, Toronto offers up plenty of arts and cultural festivals… Feeling chilly? This is a way to keep warm.

The Consulate General of Mexico in Toronto, The Televisa Foundation and Lula Music & Arts Centre present, Emilio Fernandez and Gabriel Figueroa’s Mexico, as a part of the commemoration of both the bicentennial of the beginning of Mexican Independence and the centennial of the beginning of the Mexican Revolution.

FREE Admission.

PUEBLERINA (1948)

Director: Emilio Fernández.

Script: Mauricio Magdaleno based on Emilio Fernández’s argument.

Photography: Gabriel Figueroa.

Cast: Columba Domínguez, Roberto Cañedo, Guillermo Cramer, Luis Aceves Castañeda, Ismael Pérez.

Synopsis: Aurelio returns to his home town after serving a sentence for having avenged the rape of his beloved Paloma by Julio González. When he returns he finds his mother dead and Paloma living exiled from the town with her son, the result of the rape. Aurelio tries to marry Paloma and bury the past, but the evil Julio and his brother Ramiro are not willing to leave them alone.

The screening is free, with English subtitles, and start at 7:00pm in Lula Lounge (1585 Dundas St. W, West of Dufferin. 416 588 0307 www.lulalounge.ca).

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No se pierda la proyección gratuita de la película mexicana “Pueblerina”, dirigida por Emilio ‘El Indio’ Fernández, este martes 19 de octubre, a las 7:00pm en Lula Lounge (1585 Dundas St. W, oeste de Dufferin).

Con la fotografía de Gabriel Figueroa y las actuaciones de Columba Domínguez, Roberto Cañedo, Guillermo Cramer, Luis Aceves Castañeda e Ismael Pérez.

Sinopsis: Aurelio vuelve a su pueblo tras cumplir una condena por vengar la violación de su amada Paloma a manos de Julio González. Al llegar se entera de que su madre ha muerto y que Paloma vive exiliada del pueblo con su hijo, fruto de la violación. Aurelio busca casarse con Paloma y olvidar el pasado, pero el malvado Julio y su hermano Ramiro no están dispuestos a dejarlos en paz.

La película, filmada en 1948, tiene subtítulos en inglés y forma parte del ciclo de cine “El México de Emilio Fernández y Gabriel Figueroa”, que se está presentando como parte de las conmemoraciones del Bicentenario del inicio de la Independencia y del Centenario del inicio de la Revolución Mexicana, con el apoyo de la Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores y de la Fundación Televisa.

Mayores detalles en: 416 588 0307 www.lulalounge.ca

*Information provided by the Consulate General of Mexico in Toronto