Redemption: The No Kill Revolution in America

Plot

The film tells the story of Henry Bergh, a New Yorker who made it his mission to protect animals from cruelty after witnessing cruelty toward cart horses being used for transportation. In 1866, he persuaded 100 people, including New York City's Mayor, to sign his Declaration of the Rights of Animals; with that step, founding the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. For two decades, he worked hard tending to sick animals, ensuring that animal cruelty was prosecuted, and advocating for the city's stray dog population. Before his death, he said, "I hate to think what will befall this Society when I am gone." Against his express instructions, the ASPCA agreed to run the dog pound, trading its mission of protecting animals for the role of killing them, to the point where shelter killing has become the leading cause of death of healthy dogs and cats in the United States.

The film goes on to tell the story of the no kill movement in the United States, as told in Nathan Winograd's book Redemption: The Myth of Overpopulation and the No Kill Revolution in America, and the development of the movement in the eight years since the book was first published. Redemption is found when clear-cut solutions are provided to stop the killing of animals in shelters.

Production

The film was written by Nathan Winograd, who was also executive producer, along with the No Kill Advocacy Center. The film was produced in partnership with Sagacity Productions, No Kill Nation, and benefactors Debi Day and Lincoln Day.

Cast

The cast includes:

Music

Original music was composed and performed by Sean Hathaway.

Screenings

The film was first screened on June 6, 2014, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where it received a standing ovation. A national tour followed in 30 U.S. cities, ending in Tallahassee, Florida on October 25, 2014. The film was screened at the San Pedro International Film Festival in October 2014. Other film festivals and screenings were expected to be added as of October 2014.

Viewer warning

The film website advises parental discretion. It also cautions that "While a small number of images may be difficult, they are not gratuitous. We expect people who see it to come away with hope, inspiration, empowerment, and redemption."

Trailer

For some time, a 12 minute trailer was published, but it is no longer available. A transcript of the original trailer in English and French was prepared by an international no kill organization.

Awards

In October 2014, the film won the Audience award for best film in the San Pedro International Film Festival in San Pedro, California.