Danielle Baynes' poignant short THE DOG starring Kate Walsh set to screen at the OSCAR-qualifying HollyShorts Film Festival

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Australian writer and director Danielle Baynes’ latest work, THE DOG, is a profound exploration of the hardships experienced by those who work in animal care. Set in a 24-hour veterinary clinic, the story follows Claire (Kate Walsh), a struggling veterinarian, who must contend with the pressures of her profession while dealing with her own persistent inner turmoil. The film premiered at Geena Davis’ Bentonville Film Festival 2024 and will screen at the upcoming Oscar-qualifying HollyShorts Film Festival.

The short features a standout performance from Kate Walsh, known for Emily in Paris, 13 Reasons Why and her portrayal as Dr. Addison Montgomery in the medical drama Grey’s Anatomy, with additional cast including Justin Amankwah (Shantaram), Jeremy Waters (Pieces of Her) and Emalia (Paper Dolls).

Writer and director Danielle Baynes is renowned for performance-driven narratives often exploring connection, coming-of-age and isolation. She was nominated for an Australian Writers’ Guild Award and Australian Directors’ Guild Award for her debut short film, COLD HEARTS which went on to win Best Narrative Short and Exceptional Emerging Artist at the Hollywood Film Festival. Her second short film, COMMENTS, won the Audience Award at Freshflix Film Festival 2022 and was launched as a social impact campaign in support of the National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence. It is now used in schools around the world as a visceral education tool on the impact of cyberbullying. Baynes is currently in development as creator of new teen sci-fi series, SECOND TIME, produced by Thumper Pictures with support from Screen Australia and is developing her debut feature film.

Produced by Lottie Aspinall and Mogan Hind alongside Danielle Baynes, the film also features stunning cinematography by Stefan Duscio (The Invisible Man, The Dry). This year, Duscio won the Gold Tripod for Best Cinematography in a Drama Series for Apple TV+’s Shantaram and previously won the prestigious Milli Award for the ASC Australian Cinematographer of the Year, the highest award an Australian cinematographer can receive.

THE DOG powerfully examines the mental health crisis affecting veterinarians, who face one of the highest suicide rates among professions. Baynes invites viewers to confront the emotional and psychological toll on those dedicated to animal care.
THE DOG will premiere at the prestigious 2024 HollyShorts Film Festival in August.