Tag Archives: Andrea Scott

Spirit Dog : The Basques, the Sheep, and the Dogs Who Made History

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Spirit Dog poster

This project has been a unique partnership with local author Andrea Scott. She has hours of recorded historical audio interviews, and wasn’t quite sure what to do with them. I had been wanting to do a project to celebrate Basque Culture in Idaho, so I suggested we combine our talents into a short film.

Combing through her fascinating interviews and photos, and finding a few of my own from Basque museums and groups, “Spirit Dog” is what became of our combined efforts. Celebrating the amazing history of the Australian Shepherd and a historical connection with Basque sheepherders, I discovered that this breed was revered by Native Americans, as well. They nicknamed the breed “Spirit Dog,” for their blue eyes and haunting appearance.

Some of the interviews include people who knew famous local dog trainer/pro rodeo Hall-of-Famer Jay Sisler. Some of his amazing early show footage can be seen in this film.

The first showing of this film was at Boise’s Basque Center. The audience was standing room only in their side room, and I loved watching audience reactions. Andrea Scott hosts a Q & A after these showings, as she has a background being raised in Basque Culture, ranching, and training and showing Australian Shepherds. Idaho Press was kind in including information about it, really helping to get the word out. Owyhee Avalanche also listed a nice article.

“Spirit Dog” was also shown in Emmett, where the audience and questions were very different from the first showing. Many had personally known Jay Sisler and his family, and could talk about different historical locations in Emmett. Professional dog breeders and trainers were also there, exchanging opinions and education about Australian Shepherds.

The latest showing of “Spirit Dog” was March 9th, at Txoko Ona, in Homedale, Idaho. Andrea Scott loves the different questions that come up after each showing, and it ended with a standing ovation! It’s so great to see these dogs bring people and communities together.

We’re hoping “Spirit Dog” can make it to several communities this year, that appreciate the historical and entertaining aspects of this film. Please send a message if you’re interested in bringing this movie to your community.

Have questions or comments about this movie? Email me.

SUMMER PROJECTS 2024

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My research and film partner Stacey Guill is spending time in Spain this summer, she’s invited back to The Hemingway Conference in San Sebastian, and Bilbao, Spain.

She’s taking with her our latest project, a film called, “They Still Draw Pictures.” This is a short film about children’s art during The Spanish Civil War. They will be showing this movie at the conference, and Stacey is on a panel there.

Stacey also has been invited to do a live podcast on Hemingway’s SCW short stories!

Our film also recently became a finalist in the Madrid Arthouse Film Festival. This is a powerful short film that I’m hoping can be shown for years to come.

Previously, Stacey and I worked on a film called, “All We Didn’t Do,” about the life of famous author/illustrator Mary Hallock Foote when she and her husband lived below what is now Lucky Peak.

Stacey and I are very excited to have “All We Didn’t Do,” make another local appearance this summer! It will be a part of Global Lounge‘s World Village Fest. Details coming soon, but we know the film will be shown Friday, September 27th at Treefort Music Hall before a live music performance begins. Stacey will be there to sell copies of her book, “Stone House in the Cañon,”

Both of the above films have been helped with support from Idaho Film Collection, and the films are now archived in BSU’S Albertson’s Library to be a part of Idaho’s history.

IFC also supported and archived my film, “Pink Feather.” It’s been shown from Boise, to Stockholm, India to Tokyo, and other countries worldwide. This film was in the circuit for years, and I’d like to share a link for you here if you would like to watch it. It was shown locally at Colossal Cinematic Showcase, The Lounge at the End of the Universe, and The Balcony. We sadly lost our Director of Photography, Theresa Palmgren. She had also done stellar work for KTVB Channel 7. Our community very much felt her passing

Pink Feather by Rochelle Smith, Starring Karma Rose, Coco Freeo, JRS, Syd D’Licious, singer LP, and many others.

It’s been too hot to do as much filming as I’d like, and I’m trying to learn more about how the new required Boise Film Permit will affect a mostly solo documentary filmmaker such as myself. I understand it is needed for large film crews, and apparently a high speed chase a few years ago got out of hand, inspiring this new law. Between this law and the possible upcoming DJI Drone Ban in the U.S., I think it’s a miracle I was ever able to get some drone footage.

A short film in the works features parts of a project from photographer Andrea Scott. This will be a piece focusing on how “Basques and their dogs shaped the American West with Idaho icon, Jay Sisler.”

Working on this now, with a tie to Basque culture. San Inazio Festival is at the end of this month, and Jaialdi returns in 2025!