Man’s best friend will paint the theme of the 2018 Tryon International Film Festival Gala evening, with the screening of “Life in the DogHouse.”

The film tells the life stories of Danny Robertshaw and Ron Danta, and the work they do with dog rescue. Ten years and 10,000 dogs later, their approach to life and dog rescue will capture hearts and inspire millions to make the right choices when it comes to man’s best friend, festival organizers said.

Robertshaw and Danta, familiar faces to many in both the local and international equestrian communities, will be on hand to introduce their film to the audience, festival organizers added.

“It will be such a refreshing to change-of-pace as our region exhales after the FEI World Equestrian Games,” said festival co-founder Kirk Gollwitzer. “There is something so wonderful about these beautiful creatures that will grasp your attention and tug at your heartstrings.

“But don’t despair, to those equestrian film buffs, we have more than 20 wonderfully crafted equestrian films in our 2018 festival program, courtesy of our friends at the EQUUS Film Festival.”

“The Tale,” starring Laura Dern, will be shown on Saturday evening. Filmmakers from as many as 12 countries will stroll the streets of Tryon and mingle with the crowd. 

Lavender Bistro will host a Tito’s Cocktail Party on Saturday evening. Holy Cross Episcopal Church will also host the film “Sacred Sound” on Saturday afternoon, with a live performance after the movie. 

Audiences may also watch “The Making of American Epic” as Bernard MacMahon and Allison McGourty take to the Tryon Fine Arts Center stage and talk about their creation of “American Epic.”

TRIFF18 begins Friday, Oct. 5, with the gala kick-off, and concludes with an awards ceremony on Sunday, Oct. 7, with more than 70 films scheduled in six downtown venues. 

Those interested in learning more about the festival may visit tryoninternationalfilmfestival.org.

– Submitted by Kirk Gollwitzer