A Family That Steals Dogs

In the disorienting wake of loss, an artist begins to question his identity and beliefs. Strange experiences – windows that open themselves, phantom dogs on the highway, and all of the brief dog-lives that chaptered an upbringing in rural Arkansas – frame this exploration of grief, mental illness, and family connection.

John C Kelley grew up in Southern Arkansas in the 1980’s and 90’s, and is now an artist and professor living and working in Knoxville, TN. His award-winning work in animation has screened in international film festivals around the world including the Slamdance Film Festival, Raindance Film Festival, GLAS Animation Festival, the Ottawa International Animation Festival, the London International Animation Festival and many others. His animated short GUSTER (2019) received a “Staff Pick” from Vimeo.com, the Animated Grit award from Indie Grits Film Fest, and the Jury’s Citation Award from the Thomas Edison Black Maria Film Festival. A Family that Steals Dogs (2020), received a “Staff Pick” from Vimeo.com, won “Best 2D Animation by an Independent Animator” and “Best 2D Animation Overall” from the Florida Animation Festival, and “Best Sound Design” from the Ottawa International Animation Festival.