Popcorn and paws at Top Dog Film Festival

DOG lovers, mark your calendars — the Top Dog Film Festival is set to return to the Brunswick Picture House this August, and it promises to be a tail-wagging good time.

As part of a nationwide tour, the festival celebrates the bond between humans and dogs through a selection of heartwarming short films. From pampered pooches living it up in luxury hotels to bloodhounds tracking poachers in Africa and ultra-running Vizslas racing across North America, the lineup showcases dogs in all their glory.

Adding to the fun, the team from Byron Dog Rescue will be on-site with some four-legged friends for pats and chats before the screenings kick off.

“The Brunswick Heads and Broome screenings are the only ones in the country where dogs are welcome to attend,” festival founder and director Jemima Robinson said.

A standout in this year’s program is Canine Concierge, a heartwarming film produced by the festival team themselves. Filmed across three continents, it captures the charm of hotel dogs — from snow-loving Archie in Canada and dapper Dash in London to a comfort-loving Labrador, also named Archie, working the front desk in Tasmania.

“We’re thrilled to present a film of our own this year,” said Robinson. “Canine Concierge reflects everything the Top Dog Film Festival stands for — joy, connection, and the incredible way dogs bring character and comfort into every space they touch. It’s a love letter to the dogs who greet us, calm us and remind us we’re never truly alone.”

Other highlights include George — a moving story about a UK puppy who helps his owner recover from illness and despair, and SuperNova: The 100 Mile Dog, which follows a Hungarian Vizsla and her ultra-runner dad on an epic race on Washington’s Orcas Island.

Lux is a powerful tale of a bloodhound whose nose helps combat rhino poaching, while Brought Back to Life follows the inspiring journey of a rescue dog given a second chance.

If You Can is a Ukrainian animated short reflecting on human complexity and the calming, peaceful presence of dogs.

The Top Dog Film Festival will take place at the Brunswick Picture House from 2pm to 4.45pm on Saturday August 16.

For more information and tickets, visit topdogfilmfestival.com.au