September 6th, 2012
With the pending cinema release of The Queen of Versailles marking Dogwoof’s 100th film to screen theatrically we thought it was about time we handed over to some words from those behind the films we have released. You can read about our own favourite moments and films over from the Dogwoof 100 here, but here are some lovely comments from Dogwoof directors on their experiences of distributing their films with us:
Steve James
When I first arrived in London for the premiere of my film The Interrupters, the cab driver asked for my hotel. “The Langham,” I told him and he was quite impressed. He said it was one of London’s finest. I first thought, “Wow, these Dogwoof folks really know how to treat a filmmaker. It's about time us documentary filmmakers got the first class treatment!” And sure enough, I was met at the hotel curb by the very proper doorman with the black top hat and grey long tailed tux. I traversed the grand marble columned steps to the spacious foyer to be checked in by clerks who’d had a double-dose of Soma or whatever drug they give people who work at five star hotels to make them ever so helpful... That is, until it was determined that I had no reservation... That my reservation was in fact at the other Langham which was five blocks and several social strata down the way. When I arrived at my Langham Hotel, I was met at the door by three middle-aged ladies passing a bottle of red wine. They eyed me and graciously offered me a swig on my way in. At this point, I breathed a sigh of relief. I thought, “Thank God, Dogwoof is really making every dollar count in releasing my film. That’s the kind of company I want to be in business with.”
Dogwoof is indeed a great group with a passionate love of film. It was a real pleasure working with them and I hope to do so again.
Malika Zouhali-Worrall
Relentlessly dedicated -- as much to cinematic artistry as to the creative distribution of social-issue films -- Dogwoof is that rare distributor gutsy enough to make sure us little docs have big barks too.
Carol Morley
Dogwoof is a filmmaker's dream. I have been happy and honoured to be associated with all at Dogwoof and their mission to bring films to light, to distribute them to audiences that may not have been able to see films in cinemas (if anywhere at all). Dogwoof's creative methods, their belief and commitment to cinema and to people that want to be able to see a diverse range of films, and not the limited standard fodder, is to be commended. They rock! I thank all at Dogwoof for their spirit and enthusiasm and for coming on board at an early stage with Dreams of a Life, which was crucial to our film coming to fruition.
Cairo Cannon
What I love and respect about working with Dogwoof on Carol Morley's Dreams of a Life is the people. Their passion for films and each person's expertise shines through the whole distribution process. Dogwoof is at the vanguard of new distribution ways, and they are open and inclusive and let the filmmaker's vision be the guide. It has been a happy collaborative experience. And there are always new ideas, new plans happening which is exciting. And fun. Happy 100.
Alma Har’el
Dogwoof puts the woof in Londog! I want to make more films so I can work with them again.
Fredrik Gertten
Happy 100 Dogwoof. We are proud to take part of Dogwoof's innovative way of distributing films. Meeting the audience in a new and creative way. Dogwoof took on my film BANANAS!* in moment when we had a major legal fight ongoing. We value this friendship and what we in Swedish call guts. So we are happy to fly with Dogwoof again, Big Boys Gone Bananas!* release September 18th. See you in London.
Julia Bacha
Our doc, BUDRUS, is having a very productive life and many partners have supported us over the last three years. But I still remember the first distributor to come on board. The same evening we premiered at the Dubai Film Festival in 2009, Andy Whittaker wrote a note saying he wanted to bring the film to audiences across the UK. He wasn't kidding. Thanks to Dogwoof, BUDRUS opened theatrically on Leicester Square theatre, harnessed stellar reviews and is now available on DVD and for community screenings in England. We'd choose them again in a heartbeat.
Ashley Sabin
Working with Dogwoof has been a real pleasure. Everyone who is part of the company is incredibly passionate, hard working, and honest. They got our film Girl Model into markets around the world. We couldn't imagine working with anyone else. Here's to many more releases for a fantastic company!
Jennifer Arnold and Patti Lee
When making A SMALL ACT we hoped our film would reach an international audience and make an impact, but we had no idea how to reach markets outside of our home country and how to handle our outreach efforts. Thanks to Dogwoof we formed new partnerships, found new audiences and found a new partner for the film. From our UK premiere to smaller screenings Dogwoof took care of us! Congratulations on your 100th release!
Jerry Rothwell
Congrats to Dogwoof on reaching its century - an innings full of style and entertainment. You've been instrumental in making documentary the powerful force for good it has become in the last decade, enabling stories that the mainstream media can't or won't tell to reach a global audience.
Constance Marks
The entire BEING ELMO distribution team felt very appreciative to have our film released by Dogwoof. They are utterly professional and amiable -- I will go to them first for UK distribution of my next film. They are the "A" team.
Robert Kenner
I was thrilled to have worked with Dogwoof on Food Inc. and hope I get the chance to do it again on my next film. Congratulations on distribution of your first 100 films!
Nick and Marc Francis
Huge congratulations on your 100th release - what an amazing landmark! It's great to be part of your history having worked together on Black Gold. We look forward to the next 100 releases of awesome films!
Michael Madsen
100 films to potentially still be playing in Dogwoof-audiences minds is worth a celebration – what films will Dogwoof be showing us 100 years from now and what kind of eyes will be watching? Michael Madsen, director of Into Eternity
Keep an eye out for more of Dogwoof 100 blog posts next week - meanwhile you can join the celebrations by telling us your favourite Dogwoof film and why, and could end up winning yourself £100 credit in the Dogwoof shop. Head over to our Facebook page to see all 100 releases and vote for your top Dogwoof title. To enter the comp, just leave a Facebook comment telling us why you chose that film under its picture in the Dogwoof 100 photo album. You can also browse through the Dogwoof 100 on this IMDB list
