Private Project

In the Doghouse

An incarcerated father discovers hope and renewal through an assistance dog rehabilitation program, forming a bond with a puppy, and rediscovering what it means to be a parent.

  • Aron Attiwell
    Director
    Fading Numbers
  • Aron Attiwell
    Writer
    Fading Numbers
  • Aron Attiwell
    Producer
    Fading Numbers
  • Jed Cowper
    Producer
    Paper Route
  • Regina Wong
    Producer
    Homo Ignarus
  • Tristan Balz
    Key Cast
    "Joel"
  • Kate Elder
    Key Cast
    "Lisa"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    13 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    September 28, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    36,000 AUD
  • Country of Origin:
    Australia
  • Country of Filming:
    Australia
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.39:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Aron Attiwell

At the age of 24, Aron is already gaining recognition for his talent and experience beyond his years. He's a skilled director with a passion for storytelling that dives into human emotions. His ability to bring out authentic performances from actors and capture subtle moments on camera has earned him critical acclaim in the industry.

Aron's film 'Fading Numbers' received 27 nominations and won several prestigious awards, including Best Picture and Best Director at the Los Angeles Film Awards. It also earned him Breakthrough Filmmaker of the Year. Additionally, 'Fading Numbers' was distributed as educational material in Western Australian private high schools.

Aron's dedication to his craft is evident in his meticulous approach to each project, ensuring that every frame reflects the film's vision.
As a storyteller, he aims to explore the human condition, creating narratives that resonate across cultures and connect with audiences universally.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

"It takes the heart of a dog to mend the soul of a man."

'In the Doghouse' is a deeply personal film for me, born out of a long-standing connection to the prison system through my own family. One of my relatives worked in a correctional setting, and their stories stayed with me, sparking my interest in telling a story about redemption and second chances within the walls of a prison. Initially, I wrote the film from the perspective of a correctional officer, but during my research, I stumbled upon an article about a dog assistance program in prisons. That discovery changed everything. The story shifted to focus on an incarcerated man and the unique bond he forms with a dog as part of his rehabilitation.

This film is about more than just prison life—it’s about fatherhood, responsibility, and the human capacity for transformation. Joel, our protagonist, is on a journey to rebuild his life and reconnect with his daughter, and through his bond with Lily, the assistance dog, he learns to heal. That theme of healing really resonated with me, both personally and creatively. I wanted to explore the idea that even in the darkest places, we can find moments of hope and love. The parallel between rehabilitating a dog and rehabilitating a person felt like such a powerful metaphor for the resilience we all have inside us.

On set, the experience became even more personal. We couldn’t shoot in a real prison, so we had to get creative, turning a recreational camp into a prison farm. I saw the same spirit of resilience in our crew that I was trying to capture in Joel’s story. Working with five dogs was a challenge in itself, but it made the process all the more rewarding, reminding me every day of the unpredictable, yet profound connection between humans and animals.

'In the Doghouse' represents my belief in second chances. It’s a film that’s close to my heart, and I hope it resonates with others who see the potential for change, even in the most difficult circumstances.