We are writing to you in regards to the children’s film Show Dogs, due for release 5 July. Upon its release in the US, it attracted substantial criticism from parents and child advocates over concerns of “grooming” children for sexual abuse.
The film tells the story of a police dog going undercover at a dog show. There are reportedly several scenes in which the dog, Max, has to have his genitals inspected. When he is uncomfortable and wants to stop he is told to go to a ‘zen place’. When he submits and allows his genitals to be touched, he is rewarded by advancing to the next level of the show.
In response to the global backlash, the production company withdrew the film, promising to re-cut it to remove the scenes in question. The film has been re-released, however the scenes remain, with only the encouragement to ‘go to a zen place’ (essentially, to dissociate) being removed. The meaning remains intact, that unwanted sexual touching is to be endured and may be rewarded.
The film sends a disturbing and dangerous message to children about sexual touching. In Australia, one in five children are thought to be victims of sexual abuse. This film undermines efforts in prevention and education to address the scourge of child sexual abuse.
Collective Shout: for a world free from sexploitation is calling on Australian cinemas to take a stand against child sexual abuse and refuse to screen the film. We hope that cinemas will be prepared to take a role of leadership in the community, to stand up for the rights of children and refuse to profit from this film.
Contact your local cinema and ask them not to screen the film.
Hoyts– Website, Facebook, Twitter, or Phone: 1300 1 46987
Event Cinemas– Facebook, Twitter, or Email: contactus@eventcinemas.com.au
Village Cinemas– Facebook, Twitter or Email: contactus@village-cinemas.com
Grand Cinemas– Facebook or Website
Dendy Cinemas– Facebook, Twitter, or Website
Palace Cinemas– Facebook, Twitter or Email: feedback@palacecinemas.com.au
Wallis Cinemas– Facebook, Twitter or Email: admin@wallis.com.au
ACE Cinemas– Facebook, Twitter or Email: karen@acecinemas.com.au
In response to the global outcry from parents and child advocates, the production company withdrew the film, promising to re-cut it to remove the offending scenes. However, the film has been re-released with only a minor portion of the troubling scenes removed. This is not good enough, so now we’re calling on Australian cinemas to take a stand against child sexual abuse and refuse to screen the film.
At this stage, the film is being promoted by Hoyts, Event Cinemas, Palace Cinemas and Wallis Cinemas. The film is currently not listed on Cineplex, Village Cinemas, Dendy Cinemas, Grand Cinemas and ACE Cinemas websites.
So far, we’ve had responses from several cinemas.
Hoyts has claimed the film “has not confirmed its release date for Australia” and that they do not have any information about the film being shown on their screens yet- however, the film is currently being advertised on the ‘Coming Soon’ section of Hoyts’ website with a release date of 5thJuly.
Dendy responded as follows:
Show Dogs has not been confirmed for any of the Dendy Cinemas sites. We are not planning on showing the film at this stage.
We need your help.
Help us keep the pressure on, and let these cinemas know you don’t want them to screen Show Dogs.
Contact your local cinema here, and let us know if they respond.
