Browse films

Underdogs

Alex Astrella
United States, 2020, 15 min.

In English.
Includes adult language.

At the California Men’s Colony in Central California, a special connection forms between dogs and their inmate handlers who train them to become fully operational service animals.

Director's Statement

Underdogs highlights the way in which the special connection between humans and dogs helps ease the experience of being incarcerated in a state prison. The pride and joy that the inmates have in caring for their pet over the course of the two year training program allows them to identify the various ways in which they were hurting. The work with the dogs turns the pain and hurt into something meaningful.

Category: Documentary.

More in Documentary

  • Worse than Nuking: A Family's Tale of Survival

    Worse than Nuking: A Family's Tale of Survival

    Kareem El Damanhoury
    Egypt, 2025, 15 min.

    Worse than Nuking follows Fedaa, a pediatrician and mother of three living in Gaza, as she struggles to care for children in a hospital while... more ›

  • More Than Santa Baby

    More Than Santa Baby

    Tamar Springer
    United States, 2025, 39 min.

    An inspiring story of perseverance, resilience and hope, More Than Santa Baby honors the prolific artistic legacy of "Santa Baby" composer Philip... more ›

  • Resonancia

    Resonancia

    Ted Nash
    2026, 38 min.

    In the heart of Havana, Grammy-winning composer Ted Nash invites young Cuban musicians to find inspiration in the colors and forms of a museum’s... more ›