St. Clair Bourne 3rd Thursdays presents “MINE” at 7pm May 20th
Available on DVD May 4th!! www.filmmovement.com
Mine is the poignant and powerful story of pet owners separated from their animals during Hurricane Katrina, and of their struggles to find and bring their beloved companions home. A meditation on the essential bond between humans and animals, Mine is an equally compelling story of race and class, and the power of compassion in contemporary America. Directed by Geralyn Pezanoski.
When Hurricane Katrina hit the Louisiana coast in August 2005, no one could fathom the tremendous damage the storm would create. Many who evacuated thought it would blow over quickly, and they would soon return home to resume their lives. But over the following days, millions of Americans watched in disbelief as disturbing images of people trapped on rooftops above the flood waters appeared on television. Thousands more were marooned in the Superdome without food in sweltering heat, while others were relocated to faraway cities, with no idea when they would be allowed to return home — if they had a home to return to.
Filmmaker Geralyn Pezanoski was also watching events unfold, profoundly affected by not only the human catastrophe, but by the suffering of animals separated from their owners. When she heard about rescue efforts being carried out by animal lovers from across the country and the world, she decided to go to New Orleans to document this incredible undertaking.
During the ensuing six weeks she filmed dozens of volunteers and some of the thousands of animals they rescued. She subsequently saw many of these animals loaded onto trucks and planes and sent to shelters across the country, their fates uncertain.
As the weeks went by, an increasing number of residents returned to New Orleans to rebuild their lives. Some returned to homes that were completely destroyed, their pets gone—adopted out to new loving families and given new names. For many who had lost everything, the search for a pet became a desperate attempt to find the one thing left in the world that belonged to them.
Through the stories of the original owners, the foster families and the animal advocates in the film, Mine reveals the resilience of the human spirit. From Malvin Cavalier, who had to leave his dog behind when he sought shelter in the Superdome, to Gloria Richardson, who refused to evacuate without her Black Lab, but was then forcibly separated by authorities, the owners inMine refused to give up searching for their companions, and many are reunited with their pets.
Set in a post-Katrina landscape of poverty, loss and moral uncertainty, Mine presents the complexity of an intensely emotional situation and raises questions for which there are no simple answers: Why weren’t people allowed to evacute with their animals? Once the rescued animals were adopted into new homes, who had the authority to decide whether they should be returned to their previous owners? Why were original owners running into resistance in their efforts to reclaim their pets? 
When two families love the same pet, conflicts inevitably arise over who is the rightful “owner” and what is right for the animal. At the center of this tension are pets that are loved like family, but by law are considered property. The heart of the matter is this: What is in the best interest of the animals and who has the right to decide?
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In tribute to the late founder of the Black Association of Documentary Filmmakers West, St. Clair Bourne, BADWest would like to present “St. Clair Bourne’s 3rd Thursday Documentary Film Screening Series”. This event will carry on St. Clair’s original series previously known as First Mondays. St. Clair Bourne’s 3rd Thursday Documentary Film Series will continue as a traditional monthly gathering for artists actively working in film, television and theater to stimulate discussion on culture, political principles, creative techniques and the exchange of ideas that can help us all make the most powerful work possible to help create a culture of resistance in these important times.
Every ”Third Thursdays” of the month are held at Vegan Village Cafe located at 4061 W. Pico Blvd. (Just east of Crenshaw.) FREE off-street parking is available in the rear. For more info contact the BADWest info line: (213) 534-6635
We encourage attendees to support Vegan Village by trying their menu of healthy food and beverages. Vegan Village, a pillar in the community, shares our vision through promoting health and culture. Parking is free in the rear of the building.
