BUDDY

Dir. Heddy Honigmann, VOF Appel&Honigmann, 86 min, 2018, The Netherlands

Six sweet-natured service dogs look after the well-being of their owners with remarkable selflessness. True care and deep mutual trust – Buddy is a love-filled story about the close bond between humans and dogs, and how people with special needs can experience a fulfilling daily existence apart from the presence of other humans. The New York Times has called director Heddy Honigmann’s films delicious anti-depressants, full of simplicity, elegance, generous empathy and soulfulness. This film is no exception – it’s a moving ode to the mental strength of the film’s characters and their partners, the service dogs.

Among the service dogs in Latvia there is currently only one assistant-dog that is trained to help a person with mobility issues. This kind of dog plays a practical role in his owner’s daily life – picking up and delivering objects, switching on lights, opening or closing closets and other tasks.