SXSW (At home): ‘We Don’t Deserve Dogs’ Review

AIPT will continue some of its planned coverage of SXSW. We have been in contact with creators and their representatives in order to continue to give films coverage. We will respect all embargoes and work to give these films and our readers the coverage we had planned.

We Don’t Deserve Dogs is a new film by duo Matthew Salleh and Rose Tucker. This documentary consists of interviews with people from Uganda to Scotland and gives a glimpse into the daily lives of dogs and people going about their lives. Some stories discuss how humans have saved dogs, but the overall message is how dogs have saved humans.  We Don’t Deserve Dogs takes a look at the role dogs play in society and the important place they hold in the lives of their humans. 

We Don’t Deserve Dogs introduces us to dogs like Chino, a community dog with many owners and many names. Lok Aroma is a dog whose companionship helps heal the trauma and emotional distress left on a child soldier. The film also follows a dog walker through the streets of Istanbul as he takes care of his charges and extra dogs join in on the fun.Throughout the film we are introduced to various individuals whose lives have been changed by the presence of a dog.

Many of the stories deal with people who have felt ostracized or out of place and found peace and confidence with a dog in their lives. In addition to learning about the personal impact dogs have had on their respective humans, we are also shown the role of dogs in different cultures. Some cultures revere dogs and some not so much. Despite the difference in views, the common thread is that dogs are essential to daily life.

From lavish birthday parties to dogs hanging out in pubs, this film will engage dog lovers. The biggest take away from the film is that it does not matter who a person is or how they are seen by society, dogs love their humans unconditionally. Despite a strangely somber soundtrack, the film is warm, humorous and any pet owner will find themselves impacted by We Don’t Deserve Dogs. 

Salleh, director and cinematographer, and Tucker, producer and sound recordist, had intended to release this film during South by Southwest before the festival’s cancellation. The married couple is no stranger to the festival circuit. Their previous credits include award-winning films Barbecue and Pablo’s Villa.