BROWN AND BONDED: This film follows the struggle and triumph of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color [BIPOC]. Abandoned by Animal Welfare these families remain Brown and Bonded against the odds.

The film’s theme and primary character is the bond People of Color share with their pets despite implicit bias within all aspects of the Animal Welfare field. The marginalization of BIPOC pet owners, and the lack of social justice for those pet parents and those working in the field.

The Animal Welfare is predominately white, 85%. This collective rarely, if ever, focuses on Black, Indigenous, and People of Color experiences with pets. Although People of Color live with 47% of the companion animals in the U.S., less than .2% of the industry leaders are BIPOC. BIPOC working in the field rarely ascend beyond kennel cleaners and low-ranked Animal Control Officers. In many instances, BIPOC elevated to managerial tasks are paid less than their white counterparts.

BIPOC voices and perspectives are almost non-existent in policy-making spaces within the field. As a result, undeserved BIPOC communities are often denied the opportunity to adopt, over-policed by Animal Control, and struggle to acquire access to veterinary care.

Aside from the collective Animal Protection field being unwelcoming to People of Color, major narrative productions that include pets rarely feature or center BIPOC bonded relationships with pets.

Our film travels across the country following Brown and Bonded relations. Viewers will see a glimpse into the many struggles marginalized BIPOC communities face. From deep within remote Indigenous communities to urban Atlanta. Regardless of limited resources, the audience will also witness the power of Brown and Bonded relationships.

James Evans, Director, Brown and Bonded

DIRECTOR
James is a multi-awarding winning creative strategist and leader with 25+ years of experience developing relationships between organizations and their constituents. His expertise has been utilized across diverse not-for-profit and for-profit brands. Specific brand experience includes Timberland, Disney, The Mills Corporation, NAACP, Baltimore Health Department, Maryland Health Department, Kennedy Krieger Institute, CVS Caremark’s Project Health, Safe Streets Baltimore, and many others. James and his team have initiated several programs, including the groundbreaking Gulf Spay/Neuter Campaign and HSUS’ Pets for Life. He has also played an integral role in HSUS’ Adopters Welcome, Outdoor Cats Research, Stop Puppy Mills, HSUS’ Spayathon, and Best Friends Animal Society’s Outreach Action Team.

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John Benam, DP, Brown and Bonded
benam films

PRODUCER | CINEMATOGRAPHER
John is a Director of Photography and Producer based in Baltimore, Maryland. Credits include The Keepers, Charm City, Assassins, 12 O’clock Boys, and Great Migrations. John’s work focuses primarily on social justice stories, deeply personal docs, natural history, and intercultural learning. He has been awarded two Primetime Emmys for cinematography.

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