Land of Lost Toys
Director: Nicholas Stachurski
Cast:James Schatz, Irene Schatz, Juniper Fleming, Johan Aorman, Lew Hardaway
Crew:Writer: Nicholas Stachurski, Sam A. Davis, Jack Anderson
Email:nick@eightfold.tv
Synopsis
In the heart of Detroit, a city with a rich history and a tapestry of diverse communities, "Land of Lost Toys” follows the interconnected lives of its residents, brought together by a shared passion to combat the city’s vast stray dog epidemic. This mosaic of characters carry their own burdens and dreams, navigating the challenges of life in Detroit. With conflicted views on the breeding, spaying and neutering this group of characters discuss the saddening results of disposability culture, lack of municipal support and overall care for “humans’ best friend”. Following our lead character James, we get a unique look into the world of dog fostering and rescuing as he navigates his own internal hardships and the emotional support dogs bring to him.
Trailer
About the director
Stemming from a producing background, Nick is a very self-motivated Director, with a passion for diving deep into story structure. His focus is discovering the raw elements of personal stories and finding ways to pull those emotions from story, to screen, to viewer. Often these stories deal with subjects of identity, family, personal growth and healing. His ability to find positive aspects in every person and situation is transparent in his style. He always finds a way to connect with any actor or real person, even in complex situations. Every story Nick touches brings honest human emotions to light in a cinematic presentation. When done properly, these stories provide an emotional journey that can help people through their own struggles. Fun Fact: Nick also turns into a little kid around any dog he meets.
Filmmaker's note
My short documentary film explores the profound connection between humans and dogs, delving into the emotional and practical roles these animals play in our lives. Inspired by my deep love for animals and the therapeutic impact dogs have on emotional and mental well-being, I set out to spark conversations about the importance of fostering and rescuing dogs.
This documentary project is deeply personal to me—it extends beyond filmmaking into a mission close to my heart. Inspired by my experiences as a volunteer the past four years, I set out to create more than just a short film; I wanted to craft a narrative that honors dogs and the dedication of those who rescue them.
The driving force behind this project was to shed light on the often-overlooked world of dog rescuing and to challenge perspectives on adoption and care. I aim to show that it's not just about saving dogs; it's about how they save us in return. Through the lens of our protagonist, James, and a mosaic of narratives from the Detroit dog rescuing community, my vision was to weave together a tapestry of stories that highlight resilience, compassion, and the transformative power of human-animal relationships.
Choosing to film during the vibrant Fall season in Detroit was intentional. I wanted to capture the city in a light that celebrates its life and spirit, despite its historical and economic challenges. While addressing issues like lack of municipal funding and harsh winters for stray dogs, I wanted to emphasize that the dog issue transcends Detroit—it's a global concern rooted in human responsibility.
The journey of making this film was filled with both challenges and triumphs. Gaining access to the tightly-knit and often misunderstood community of dog rescuers was a significant hurdle. Building trust and understanding their passionate commitment required time and patience, but it was essential to authentically portray their dedication.
Technically, shooting on 35mm film brought its own set of challenges and rewards. Over six intense days of filming, we burned through 47 rolls to capture the essence of our 24-minute narrative. Often not knowing where we would film each day we let our subjects drive the narrative and their lives dictate our locations, scenes and story beats. Everything in this film is covered in the most vérité manner possible. The analog warmth and texture of film were crucial in conveying the emotional depth of our subjects and their environments.
Ultimately, this documentary is not just about dogs; it's about resilience, community, and the power of empathy. It's about challenging perceptions and inspiring action. I hope that through this film, viewers will gain a deeper appreciation for the human-dog bond and feel compelled to contribute positively to the welfare of animals in their communities.
As a filmmaker, my goal is to provoke thought, evoke emotion, and ignite change. This project has been a labor of love—a testament to the incredible stories that unfold when we open our hearts to the animals who share our world.