Chukka Caribbean Debuted Dogsled Documentary in Toronto

To highlight the April 13 launch of Chukka Caribbean Adventures’ dogsled tour at the Chukka Cove Farm in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, a documentary film entitled “Sun Dogs” premiered at the ReelWorld Film Festival in Toronto on April 12.

“Sun Dogs” chronicles the struggles and adventures of the founding of the Jamaica Dogsled Team, which began in the fall of 2005 when Jamaican Danny Melville, Chukka’s chairman and CEO, saw a unique dogsled designed for dry-land racing and thought it would be a great idea for Jamaica.

Melville put together a team of dogs –many of which were strays from the Jamaica Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals- convinced Devon Anderson, Chukka’s director of operations, to be a “musher,” and brought Jimmy Buffet and his Margaritaville machine on board as sponsors.

The 90-minute “Sun Dogs” film, produced and directed by Toronto-based filmmaker Andrea Stewart in association with Palm Pictures, was filmed over a 10-month period in 2005-2006.

Its storyline follows the team’s ups and downs in training the rescued Jamaican dogs and learning to mush, while showcasing the Jamaican initiative and spirit, according to press details. The screening took place in Cinema 3 at Toronto’s Rainbow Cinemas Market Square on April 12.