Pets on the Big Screen

The Petflix Film Festival, Connecticut’s first pet-themed film festival, will debut Saturday, Nov. 21 in North Haven. The festival, from 10 a.m.-noon, is hosted by Soul Friends Inc., a nonprofit organization that helps at-risk children through clinical and educational programs that promote the healing benefits of the human-animal bond.

“By hosting this mainstream inaugural film festival, we hope to show the entire state of Connecticut what our clients have already learned,” says Kate Nicoll, executive director of Soul Friends, Inc. “Life is more enriching interacting with animals.”

The organization solicited short films from aspiring filmmakers and pet lovers demonstrating how animals help people feel better. Participants entered films in two categories: Under five minutes and five-10 minutes. Judges have scored the short films based on originality, cinematography, message and overall theme. The top three films from each category will be screened during the two- hour film festival.

“Besides seeing some of Connecticut’s new shining stars on the big screen, attendees will also learn about local animal rescue groups, animal sanctuaries and other nonprofit organizations that promote and preserve the healing benefits of the animal-human bond,” Nicoll says.