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New Zealand documentary feature The Last Dogs of Winter will have its world premiere in the highly regarded Real to Reel programme of the 36th Toronto International Film Festival. The Real to Reel programme is renowned for its selection of the most insightful and fascinating documentaries of the year.

Directed and produced by Costa Botes (Forgotten Silver, Candyman, Struggle No More, Daytime Tiger), The Last Dogs of Winter provides an intimate insight into the plight of the Canadian Eskimo Dog (or Qimmiq) which were once indispensible to human life in the Canadian arctic. Today, the breed faces extinction. Since 1976 Brian Ladoon has stuck to a promise to maintain a viable breeding colony of Canadian Eskimo Dogs. Based in Churchill, Manitoba, and with the assistance and support of New Zealand actor Caleb Ross (The Tribe), Brian battles chronic under funding, wandering polar bears, officialdom and a harsh natural environment to keep his word.

New Zealand Film Commission CEO Graeme Mason said today “The recent selections of two New Zealand features by coveted film festivals like Venice and Toronto is an extraordinary commendation on our ability to tell global stories on a global stage. For the second time in one week, I am thrilled to congratulate a New Zealand filmmaker on a job well done.”

Costa Botes will be in Toronto to present his film to the Festival, which will be held from 8 – 18th of September.

The Last Dogs of Winter has been financed by Lone Pine Films Ltd and the New Zealand Film Commission. NZ Film, the sales arm of the NZFC, is handling world sales of the film.