I got the idea for this film in 2020 when my aussie, Bosco, was dying of cancer. Like every other certified goodboy and girl out there, he had selflessly brought so much joy to my life, and it was devastating to imagine him leaving it. I wanted to write a story to process my grief, honor Bosco and the dogs that came before him, and to celebrate the joys of pet ownership with all the other animal lovers out there. As any pet owner will tell you, they give us everything in the short time they are with us and the only thing they do wrong is not living forever. This film is my way of honoring everything our pets do for us. My family has always memorialized our deceased pets by burying their collar under a dogwood tree in the yard. That plays a huge part in the ending of the film, and also is how the film got its name!

About the Project

I, Nonie Shiverick, am a film writer, director, and producer from Cleveland who usually focuses on female-led projects in the horror genre. Dogwood is a step way out of my usual sandbox. Dylan Speeg is an animator and artist from Cincinnati. He and I met in 2023 when our films screened in the same block at the Cleveland International Film Festival. While walking into the screening, Dylan introduced himself and asked what my next project would be and I said that I was hoping to make an animated short film about my dog, if only I could find an animator specializing in 2D. A self-confessed Dog Dad himself, Dylan said, "let's talk after the screening," and the rest is history. Knowing that the film would have no dialogue, I set out to find a brilliant composer and reached out to my friend, Eli Manos, who works out of Atlanta. He "understood the assignment," as the kids say, and provided us with a score that not only tugs at the heart strings but gives 90's sitcom vibes at the same time which I love. Fun fact: Dogwood is the 11th time Eli and I collaborated together on a project! Crazy!

About the Team

Left abandoned and neglected on the streets, Shadow, a shepherd-mix puppy, is taken in by a kindly stranger and his dog, Elsie. In his new home, he learns the meaning of friendship, family, and the heartbreaking reality of losing someone you love.

Dogwood

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Dogwood

Short Film

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