The documentary “Unspoken Bond” will arrive in the Upper Keys for a special screening at Tavernier Towne Cinema on Saturday, Aug. 1 at 7 p.m. The film explores healing, resilience and the connection between humans and animals.
The film features Key Largo resident Nicole Navarro and her nonprofit, Pawsitive Beginnings, where foxes rescued from the fur and exotic pet trades are given permanent sanctuary while helping inspire healing in people facing trauma, addiction and emotional hardship.
The Keys connection extends beyond Navarro and the foxes, with appearances by exotic animal veterinarian Doug Mader and Jeanne Selander, affectionately known throughout the community as “Farmer Jeanne” from her years managing the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Animal Farm.
Created and executive-produced by human-animal bond advocate Jackie Ducci, the film highlights three stories that showcase the effect animals can have on human lives. Ducci is also the founder of the Human-Animal Alliance, a Florida-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting programs centered around the human-animal bond. Through the organization, grant funding has been awarded to Keys nonprofits including Pawsitive Beginnings to support animal-assisted healing initiatives.
In addition to Navarro’s story, the documentary follows international dressage rider Shannon Dueck as she navigates devastating grief following the loss of her Olympic hopeful horse, Angel; and veteran Jason Gaver, whose service dog helps him cope with PTSD, isolation and personal loss after military service in Iraq.
The film is directed by award-winning filmmaker Don Hardy, whose work includes the Disney+ series ”Pick of the Litter,” as well as documentaries exploring resilience, vulnerability and the connections that shape human lives.
“Unspoken Bond” invites audiences to consider how powerful the human-animal bond can be. From foxes rescued from fur farms to service dogs and elite horses, the film reveals how animals often become silent partners in healing, hope and survival.
Organizers hope the event will encourage locals to come together in support of a story that grew from the Keys and now resonates with audiences far beyond the island chain.
Tickets are on sale through the Tavernier Towne Cinema website at www.taverniercinema5.com. The theater is located at 91298 Overseas Highway, Tavernier.
