Documentary on Bangor Humane Society to premiere Thursday in Orono

BANGOR, Maine (WABI) - The first documentary about the Bangor Humane Society will premiere Thursday evening, November 12th, at Black Bear Cinemas in Orono.

It’s produced by Five Road Films. Director and producer Keith Travers donated his time and resources to make the 45-minute documentary. He and his wife, Danielle Travers spent about a year filming the animals, 22 staff members and more than 100 volunteers at the shelter.

Woof LLC, Danforth’s Downhome Grocery and Mason’s Brewing donated to the project. Travers says he used that funding to purchase memory cards to store footage on.

“I was overwhelmed by the amount of people that volunteer their time and the passion that they have for that work,” said Travers. “I’ve done other documentaries but this one just kind of called out to me.”

Why the film was made

About a year earlier, Travers had heard about an email sent to the Bangor Humane Society. The tone of the email stuck with him.

“I deemed it pretty negative,” he says. “And I thought there was some misunderstandings about how the Humane Society works.”

Travers approached BHS about a documentary to show what really goes on behind the scenes.

“And we jumped in with all of our feet,” says Kathryn Ravenscraft, Director of Development & Communications for the Bangor Humane Society. “Yes, even our furry bosses were up for it too.”

Travers says he lost count of how many hours were put into filming and editing the 45-minute production. But he says, he was truly humbled by the amount of volunteers that donate their time to the amimal shelter.

“A lot of animals come in here under traumatic circumstances. They might be wandering the streets or people just can’t take care of them anymore. The people here, really, they go through a lot emotionally,” says Travers. “I wouldn’t says it’s shocking but I was overwhelmed by the amount of people that volunteer their time and the passion that they have for that work.”

What viewers may take away

Travers hopes those who watch the documentary will take understand the emotional rollercoaster that comes with working at an animal shelter.

“Maybe a little more compassion for the animals, but also for the people that are here,” says Travers. “I know sometimes people come in and they are upset because they didn’t get the service they think they deserve. And there’s usually a reason for that. So just to take a step back and understand what’s going on behind the scenes.”

“95 to 97% of our animals, the end is just walking out into their new lives. And that’s what we’re doing here. So it’s nice to be able to tell that,” says Ravenscraft.

Paws and take a bow

Humane: Inside Bangor Humane Society premieres on Thursday, November 12th at Black Bear Cinemas in Orono. The film starts at 6:30 p.m. but they’ll be rolling out the red carpet beforehand for some VIPs (that’s very important pets).

Tickets are $15. They can be purchased here.