Sudbury’s Indie Cinema hosts a unique screening in support of a good cause

Sudbury’s Indie Cinema held its first ever Dog Video Fest Saturday. Dozens came out to enjoy a good laugh while watching some of the top dog videos from across the world.

Organizers of the event told CTV News the screening showcased some of the funniest and most surprising canine videos out there.Volunteers from 4 Champ Animal Rescue brought some of their dogs in their care to greet guests at the screening Saturday. (Molly Frommer/CTV News Northern Ontario)“Dog Video Fest is a 75 minute compilation of the best dog videos around,” said Miranda Macleod, theatre manager at Indie Cinema.

“It’s basically what you would see online, but on the big screen.”

A portion of the proceeds are going to the Sudbury-based 4Champ Animal Rescue.

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Macleod said she was inspired after seeing a cinema in the U.S. host a similar screening.

“I was looking and there was an independent cinema in the states that was doing Cat Video Fest last year which I thought was amazing and I loved how they worked with a local shelter so I dug into it I saw that this was happening all over the world,” said Macleod.

“So, it’s something we’re looking to bring in every year.”

Volunteers from the rescue brought some of their dogs that are currently in care.

“Covid hurt us and this year it seems other people are trying to dig their way out too. So, proceeds have been a little bit lower so it’s going to go right to our vet bills,” said Heather Watling with 4Champ Animal Rescue.

“We just got hit with a few major medical cases … a dog with cancer, and heart worm so those bring up our expenses a lot and all of our rehab dogs are accessed to make sure there’s nothing physically wrong with them.”

People are also being encouraged to donate items if possible.On of the dogs currently under the care of 4 Champ Animal Rescue with the donation bin at Sudbury Indie Cinema's Dog Video Fest. (Molly Frommer/CTV News Northern Ontario)“We will have a bin here where you can donate food, toys, blankets, anything else you think a dog would need and we will also have a jar for monetary donations that will go straight to 4Champ as well,” said Macleod.

A second screening of Dog Video Fest will be held at Indie Cinema on Jan. 28 at 3 p.m.

For more information on this and other screenings, visit the Sudbury Indie Cinema’s Facebook page.