Dogs capture director's heart

Film-maker Costa Botes describes film festivals as an oasis of good films that haven't a hope of getting a distribution deal.

The Last Dogs of Winter director said the New Zealand International Film Festival, in Masterton until October 31, brings people back to what film-making should be.

"It should be about the value of the film-making, about the emotional connection, about stuff that matters rather than stuff that sells."

Mr Botes' latest documentary tells the story of Brian Ladoon who, in a remote corner of Canada, has spent 40 years trying to save the indigenous Eskimo dog, the Qimmiq.

MORE>>