Hope Justice Freedom

SAH LAURELS 2011

SAVING AMERICA'S HORSES A NATION BETRAYED

- A United Voice for the Horses and Burros-

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WINNER:
BEST IN FESTIVAL BEST DOCUMENTARY
Los Angeles Women’s International Film Festival

WINNER:
BEST ENVIRONMENTAL FILM
FILM NORTH Huntsville International Film Festival, Canada
RBC ENVIRONMENTAL FILM AWARD

WINNER:
ACCOLADE INTERNATIONAL MERIT AWARDS
FEATURE DOCUMENTARY FILM
Investigative Journalism

WINNER:
ACCOLADE INTERNATIONAL MERIT AWARDS
FEATURE DOCUMENTARY FILM
Advocacy

WINNER:
International Wildlife Film Festival
FEATURE DOCUMENTARY FILM
AWARDED FOR EDITING

WINNER:
International Wildlife Film Festival
FEATURE DOCUMENTARY FILM
AWARDED FOR CINEMATOGRAPHY

WINNER:
International Wildlife Film Festival
FEATURE DOCUMENTARY FILM
AWARDED FOR CONSERVATION MESSAGE

WINNER:
International Wildlife Film Festival
FEATURE DOCUMENTARY FILM
AWARDED FOR ADVOCACY

WINNER:
AUDIENCE PICK - HIGHEST 5 STAR VOTES
AMC Kansas City International Film Fest

WINNER:
International Sassy Awards
REGIONAL FINALIST
ADVOCACY

WINNER:
International Sassy Awards
REGIONAL FINALIST
CHARITIBLE ACHIEVEMENTS

WINNER:
Artivist International Film Festival
Grauman's Theater
OFFICIAL SELECTION
FEATURE DOCUMENTARY FILM
ANIMAL ADVOCACY

CRITIC REVIEWS

"Outstanding footage, and expert testimony exposes the legal, ethical, economic and humane issues of these glorious creatures."
— Serita Stevens LA SPLASH MAGAZINE


"Shocking statistics"
—VARIETY

"A searing indictment of corporations, institutions and governmental agencies involved in the slaughter of horses, Katia Louise's impassioned pic amasses impressive documentation, visual and testimonial, of systemic mistreatment of the animals, illegal and fraudulent practices regulating their sale, and the very real possibility of their extinction in the wild.”
“…contrasts shots of noble, beautiful, galloping animals... with well-researched, shocking statistics."
— Ronnie Scheib VARIETY


"IMPASSIONED"
— Hollywood Reporter

"You won’t attend a horse race again with the same lighthearted spirit after seeing Saving America’s Horses: A Nation Betrayed.
"...impassioned..."
"…takes no prisoners..."
— Frank Scheck HOLLYWOOD REPORTER


"Filled with facts"
— NY TIMES

“Filled with facts… Saving America’s Horses details the corrupt and negligent practices surrounding the slaughter of over 100,000 horses a year. Special censure is reserved for the Bureau of Land Management’s apparent brief against wild horses and the dismantling a protective 1971 government act.”
— Nicholas Rapold NY TIMES


“Cannot fail to move..."
— Michelle Orange LA WEEKLY


“Unpacks a multi-layered conspiracy — fueled by a parade of misinformation— against the survival and proliferation of horses.”
— Gary Goldstein LA TIMES


"Presenting a broad and balanced spectrum of opinion through her interviews with veterinarians, trainers, policymakers and celebrity horsemen, including Paul Sorvino and Willie Nelson, among oth
ers, Louise creates a compelling case for the complete shut down of the unregulated slaughter by showing the environmental damage it does, and the horrific suffering it causes the animals."
- Jennifer Merin ABOUT.COM


“Saving America’s Horses — A Nation Betrayed” powerfully sets the dangerous expulsion of America’s mustangs from public lands and the predatory exploits of the domestic “horse industry” against the underlying threat of commercialized slaughter. Outstanding, convincing footage and expert testimony exposing the legal, ethical, economic and humane issues of an immensely complicated subject: saving America’s horses from unspeakable cruelty and its wild burros and horse herds, from vanishing off public lands forever.
—Vickery Eckhoff, FORBES.COM

REVIEWS FROM ANIMAL & EQUINE WELFARE EXPERTS

"Saving America’s Horses brings to light the facts of the equine world’s dirty little secret. I encourage all to see the movie so their opinions can be based on facts. The Equine garbage disposal system of horse slaughter is so controversial and has severely divided the equine world. Yet I find very few people, including veterinarians actually know the details of the system, in spite of opinions being strong. If a person can send a horse to slaughter or encourage others’ to do so, they need to see this movie." — Lisa Jacobson DVM


Paula Bacon"Saving America's Horses" takes in every aspect and tells its story with intelligence and a deep-running composure. The factual authority of soft-spoken experts, the dismay of a racehorse jockey, the anger of horse owners deceived, and the vows of politicians committed to righting a wrong--all play alongside the beauty and inspiration of America’s horses and the determination of those working to save them.”

— Paula Bacon, former Mayor Kaufman, TX


"Saving America’s Horses: A Nation Betrayed" is an landmark film filled with spectacular visuals and compelling interviews that powerfully document the tragic abuse of America’s horses. From the variety of domestic breeds with a focus on Thoroughbreds, to the attacks by our government on the well being and habitats of America’s Wild Horses, this film is a must for anyone wanting to end the suffering of America’s horses; beings who truly deserve our respect, protection and kindness. It is a film that reveals the evils of treating horses as little more than commodities, to be bought and sold, and killed for greed, and ultimately as a delicacy that profit foreign interests. Saving America’s Horses, A Nation Betrayed is a momentous and comprehensive vehicle for exposing the truth, for only then will the scandalous mistreatment of these very special beings come to an end. Having been exposed to so many of the injustices documented in this film, I am honored to be a part of this groundbreaking movie.

— Elliot M. Katz, DVM
Founder and President Emeritus, IDA


“This is a brilliant exposé on the economic and environmental devastation caused by the seedy cruel practice of horse slaughter. The film masterfully pulls us through layer after layer of the incomprehensible corruption and greed that supports everything from its violent and criminal history to the spill over into the local community. Filmmaker Katia Louise forces us to confront our very soul, our raision d’etre, asking what kind of people do this to other living beings that are supposed to share our earth, particularly our companions, pets, animals that helped build our country, animals that have sophisticated social and family structures, that form bonds and can suffer and know fear. The film is thorough in exploring the systemic corruption that has left virtually worthless those laws such as the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act and Wild Free Roaming Horses and Burros Act, which are supposed to protect horses. With in depth research, the film dismisses any suggestion BLM means when the agency says it does not send wild horses to slaughter. The film paints a clear picture of how government agencies and corporate interests run over the laws that are supposed to protect the horses. The film challenges us as viewers to require accountability from our leaders by weaving in an underlying and lingering message that our horses and our very souls may depend on it. Saving America’s Horses, A Nation Betrayed is a loud wake up call for every American. It was Thomas Jefferson who said, “I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that his justice cannot sleep forever.”

—Laura Allen, Animal Law Coalition


"Saving America's Horses - A Nation Betrayed needs to be in every theatre in the country. It may be the only chance these horses will have."

— Dale Bartlett, HSUS


“ I strongly applaud this important, straight-up film—it has the courage not to back down but to tell the un-whitewashed truth. Saving America’s Horses will make the difference in finally getting a federal ban on slaughter passed.”

— Julie Caramante, Equine Cruelty Investigator


John Holland"The public must see this film! The impact of “Saving America’s Horses - A Nation Betrayed” is visceral and awe inspiring at the same time. The beauty of the cinematography lay in stark contrast to the dark truths that the film so painstakingly and irrefutably laid bare."

—John Holland, President Equine Welfare Alliance


Deb Lopez"Saving America's Horses transcends the finest investigative journalism... A passionate reverence for all animals"

— Debra Lopez, AAHS, Animal Advocate TV


“An excellent documentary, suitable for a broad public audience.”

— Sonja Meadows Animals’ Angels, USA


“Saving America’s Horses” serves as a call to action to confront the betrayal of America’s domestic and wild horses." — Keith Dane, Director Equine Protection for The HSUS

EXPERT POSITION STATEMENTS

Nena Windand"As a veterinarian, I believe that it is my responsibility to treat all of my patients in a humane manner. Looking at the condition of slaughter-bound horses in the videos and photographs taken by journalists, investigators and welfare personnel (over many years), I could never explain to a client or to a child what is humane about their transport, and I would certainly never recommend this avenue of disposing of a horse to a client."

- Dr. Nena J. Winand, DVM, Ph


Nick Dodman and Jack"It is intolerable that our professional association continues to support horse slaughter. The abject cruelty that our horses are being exposed to in slaughterhouses is beyond imagination and anyone concerned for the welfare of our horses ought to be doing everything he or she can to support quick passage of the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act."

- Dr. Nicholas Dodman, BVMS, MRCVS, DACVA, DACVB


We strongly support all legislative initiatives which will bring horse slaughter to a swift end.

- Staci and Arthur Hancock, Thoroughbred owners and breeders, Stone Farm, Paris, KY


 

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FILM INDUSTRY REVIEWS

"Saving America's Horses is Fantastic! Powerful and compelling”

— Greg MacGillivary, MacGillivary Freeman Films


"Saving America's Horses is masterfully presented!"

— Larry Lindner, New York Times best-selling writer


“A must see film”

— Michael Blake, Screenwriter “Dances With Wolves”


"Saving America's Horses is a life changing film! …A masterpiece”

— Michael Bailey, Producer/ Director Planetviews Productions


“Everybody needs to see it, worldwide.”

— Kat Kramer, Kat Kramer’s Films that Change the World


“It is an extraordinary documentary, a must see film."

— Diana Means Festival Director, Los Angeles Women's International Film Festival


"No film in this year's program has moved and impacted on the audience more. Saving America's Horses brings the plight of an endangered species to the forefront of awareness. Morally, intellectually and environmentally, mankind is obliged to evolve in the direction of preserving the equine. We congratulate and salute Katia and her dedicated team for championing and persevering this worthy cause in the face of horrendous obstacles."

— Lucy Molnar Wing FILM NORTH Huntsville International Film Festival


“Saving America’s Horses: A Nation Betrayed, is a hard hitting, well done documentary with a focus on both domesticated horses and wild horses. This film exposes a reality about one of the most majestic animals on earth, a reality that audiences may be shocked to learn but one which tells us about who we are as a people and as a society, in a whole new way.” — Janet Rose, Executive Director of IWFF


"Saving America’s Horses helps spotlight what is becoming an urgent global humanitarian crisis – the pollution of fresh water. The RBC Blue Water Project is our commitment to protecting the lifeblood of this planet that we all need to share."


— Jeff Boyd, Regional President, Ontario North and East, RBC Royal Bank

HORSERACE INDUSTRY REVIEWS

“Saving America’s Horses – A Nation Betrayed” is a must see film for anyone who cares about a horse. I have been involved with horses and also in the thoroughbred racing industry nearly all my life. I have likewise been involved with several organizations that provide homes for thoroughbreds after the end of their racing careers. Yet this film was a sobering wake up call to the need for all horsemen and horsewomen to do more to ensure that our beloved horses are protected. My unexpected awakening by “Saving America’s Horses” has made an indelible impression that has moved me deeply to act as best as my resources allow to ensure that everyone is truly educated about this issue and the solutions which all deserve.

— Bing Bush Jr, Equine Attorney, Racehorse owner


Nick Zito"This powerful film is so important to shed light on the reality of what is happening to horses everyday in this country. My hope is that after seeing SAVING AMERICA'S HORSES, every horse lover will walk away with a whole new understanding of why we have to protect these magnificent animals."

— Nick Zito, Hall of Fame Thoroughbred Racehorse Trainer, New York

Peter Max Painting

REVIEWS FROM HORSERACE SAFETY & WELFARE EXPERTS

"Saving America's Horses is just what the horse industry needs to shake them awake. Very well done."

— Leslie McCammish, Former Executive Director of Blue Horse Charities founded by John Hettinger


JoAnne Normile.jpg“I have no doubt that this film will be the freight train that roars through our country awakening, engaging and empowering the public and Congress to effect a ban on horse slaughter. The film builds from provoking a deep appreciation for the majesty of horses, to sadness, to outrage. It left me with the same raw and stunned emotions I had after seeing Dances With Wolves."

—Jo Anne Normile - Founder of CANTER, former racing breeder, owner, and BOD of the MI HBPA & M-TOBA


“One cannot watch the gripping documentary film Saving America’s Horses and walk away unchanged. It commands the viewer’s attention from the very beginning and holds it captive to the credits. The film offers new insight to those already aware of the cruelties that many of our country’s equines endure. For the uniformed, "Saving America’s Horses" is an illuminating spotlight, exposing the callous treatment of racehorses, the brutality of wild horse BLM roundups. Whatever breed you fancy, whatever discipline you embrace, this film is a must see for those who believe "America's Horses" deserve man's respect and the humane treatment expected of a civilized nation.”

—Joy Aten, Rescue Specialist, former BOD Canter MI


“Saving America's Horses left me breathless. It's a deeply passionate look into the world of both wild and domestic horses. This exceptional film clarifies the highly controversial issue about the inhumane treatment of equines going to slaughter. It raises the bar for animal welfare in this country and renews the sense of urgency to help these horses. It's an enlightening and moving experience for anyone, even for those coming from years of experience in the thoroughbred industry like myself.”

— Shelley Abrams, racehorse owner, Founder of "Horses Helping Horses", Co-Founder Americans Against Horse Slaughter

GENERAL AUDIENCE & ADVOCATE REVIEWS

"Saving America's Horses is superb in every respect. Powerful. Effective. Very moving. Very effective. The widest cross-section of Americans need to see it."

— Senator Dave Wanzenried (D) Montana SD 49


"Absolutely excellent in every way... a much needed history lesson in the role the horse has played in building this great nation. Powerful and poignant... They say a picture is worth a thousand words. This movie is better than a thousand documents, pamphlets, or handouts sent to our Congressional leaders. This is a thousand pictures with a narrative that makes it very clear that our beautiful horses are being treated horribly, and we must take action before it is too late."

— Pat Mendiola, Covina, CA


"I very much appreciate this fine and revealing film on the horse nation and how both domesticated and wild horses are being treated in America today. The film is a tour-de-force of technical filmmaking and covers an impressive scope of issues associated with horses. This film should be mandatory viewing for every American or world citizen!"

—Craig C. Downer, Wildlife Ecologist


“As owner and rider of Quarter Horses since a child in the 1960’s I applaud Katia Louise’s documentary ‘Saving America’s Horses.’

This film gives the American people, in depth, the full truth of the dangerous plight of all equines – whether wild or domestic – in this country. Too many secret, under-the-radar paths become roads to slaughter for these noble creatures who quite literally have been our partners in building this nation.

It is clear that ‘transparency’ is unimportant to certain government agencies and private industries. The ‘ethics’ of horse slaughter dissolve when the facts are so clearly presented in Ms. Louise’s film.

I urge all horsemen/women – and all Americans – who care about raising our country’s standards of truth and transparency to see ‘Saving America’s Horses.’”

— Kathi Martin, Glendale, California


“I waited 2 years to see Saving America's Horses. It exceeded all my expectations. It was a compelling passion driven production with lush yet dignified photography, intelligent cutaway shots and it gives a thorough picture of the need to protect and preserve America’s horses.”

— Cynthia D’Errico, author, Ground Manners, Canada


"Saving America's Horses will rock this nation in the fight to end horse slaughter."

— Amanda Sorvino, Horse Fellas


"Terrific! I wish every American had the opportunity to view it. I believe every Representative in Congress should see this film, before any decision or policy is allowed to be made by BLM.

—Jean Civas, NJ


"Saving America’s Horses is a film I wish that every American will see. Horses are the spirit of American freedom, it is time to reclaim the strength, beauty and freedom that they represent. Seeing this film is the beginning of standing up for the humane treatment of America’s horses, it is a fact-based thorough look at the current dysfunctional system."

—Jennifer Johnson, NJ


 

Best documentary Film, Best Environmental Film

 

Accolade TrophySAVING AMERICA'S HORSES is an independent educational film project under Wild for Life Foundation (WFLF), a Federally registered and fully compliant 501(c)3 all volunteer nonprofit organization dedicated to saving, protecting and preserving equines.

Learn more about the Wild For Life Foundation charity and its Lifesaving Mission:
Initial Production, Release of Saving America's Horses WFLF - Saving America's Horses
WFLF - SAH Production News and Links WFLF - SAH

 

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