The Dog Film Festival is an annual event held in New York City (and then touring other cities) showcasing a collection of short films with a canine theme. 1 The Dog Film Festival does not have a fixed annual date, but it typically premieres in the fall in New York City before touring other cities across the United States. In 2025, the premiere is scheduled for October 26 at 2:00 PM at the Leonard Nimoy Thalia Theater in NYC.
More information about the event is available on the official website: https://www.dogfilmfestival.com/
History and overview
The festival was created as “a philanthropic celebration of the love between dogs and their people,” featuring “a two‑hour medley of animated, documentary, and narrative short films from around the world with a canine theme.”
It premieres in New York City and then travels to various theaters across the United States. Ten percent of every ticket sale goes to a local dog rescue in the city where it is screening.
Why it’s meaningful
Beyond being just entertainment, this festival highlights the bond between humans and dogs, and uses film as a medium to tell stories of companionship, rescue, adventure, loyalty, and transformation. It gives filmmakers a platform to express canine‑themed narratives and audiences a chance to share that experience in community.
Also, by donating a portion of proceeds to dog rescue organizations, the festival connects cinema, awareness and real‑world impact — it reminds us that art and social good can go hand in hand.
How to participate
If you’re interested in attending or bringing the festival to your city, here are some practical steps:
- Check the official website for dates and cities.
- Purchase tickets through the venue’s box office or the festival’s site; part of your ticket supports a dog rescue local to the screening.
- Consider inviting friends, family, or dog lovers. It can be a fun outing with or without your dog (depending on the venue’s rules).
- If your town isn’t on the tour yet, you can reach out to the festival team (they appear to set up additional stops by request).
- If you’re a filmmaker, explore submitting a short film that fits the canine / dog‑themed concept (check submission guidelines via the FilmFreeway page).
Why this might be worth your time
If you love dogs, stories, cinema, or community events that combine all three, this festival offers a warm, heartfelt experience. It’s a celebration rather than a high‑stakes competition. It’s also a chance to be with others who share affection for our canine companions and watch them in filmic roles—whether playful, heroic, funny, or touching.
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