The Greatest Pet Rescue Ever!

That's the subtitle to Tom McPhee's documentary, An American Opera, which will be presented at the Michigan Theater in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Thursday, January 29 at 8 p.m.  This is an emotionally moving film about the official and unofficial efforts to save the pets of New Orleans after Katrina.

McPhee was watching the drama unfold on the news at home in Michigan. This was a story of a lifetime. He knew that he had to immediately go  down to New Orleans with his cameras to document what was happening.  He didn't have any  particular expectations or agenda.  Once there McPhee discovered that it was mandated that people be evacuated out of New Orleans without their beloved animals.  But what would happen to the animals?  Documenting the rescue became, he said, his destiny.  The resulting film is at times both painful and heartening.   We see New Orleans desperate to reunite with their pets, sometimes successfully, other times not.  We witness volunteers bravely organize  rescue efforts.  

The film isn't so much about facts and figures.  McPhee wanted to create an emotional impression and for us to connect to the experience.  At this he succeeds.  

I had the good fortune to see this film at its world premier at the Chelsea Library (Chelsea, Michigan) in November.  Mr. McPhee grew up in Dearborn and moved to Chelsea just last year.  After the showing of the film, Mr. McPhee entertained questions about it. As at Chelsea,  a reception will precede the film at the Michigan, in Ann Arbor followed by discussion with McPhee, at 7:00 PM.
The Michigan Theater itself is worth a visit, a historic theater now run by a non-profit.  Tickets are $10 ($25 VIP for the meet and greet the director reception).  Proceeds will benefit The Michigan Humane Society, Best Friends Network, and other organizations.  See www.michtheater.org for more information.