Watch Beyond the Myth

Beyond the Myth is a powerful and moving documentary film that explores the often-overlooked issues surrounding pit bulls and their owners in American society. Directed and produced by Libby Sherrill and Toni Bankston, the film takes a comprehensive and nuanced look at the many factors that contribute to the negative stereotypes and stigmatization of these dogs, as well as the impact that these perceptions have on their owners and communities.

The film begins by tracing the history of pit bulls in the United States, from their early days as beloved family pets to their current status as one of the most feared and misunderstood breeds in the country. Using interviews with experts, historians, and advocates, as well as archival footage and photographs, the film shows how cultural attitudes towards pit bulls have shifted over time, and how various factors such as dogfighting, breed-specific legislation, sensationalistic media coverage, and urbanization have all played a role in shaping these attitudes.

Beyond the Myth also delves into the experiences of pit bull owners themselves, exploring the challenges and discrimination they face on a daily basis. Through interviews with a diverse range of owners, from urban youth to rural farmers, the film shows how the stigma surrounding pit bulls can affect people from all walks of life, and how these owners often struggle to find acceptance and support in their communities.

One of the most powerful aspects of the film is the way it challenges viewers to rethink their assumptions about pit bulls and their owners. Through candid and often emotional interviews, the film humanizes these often-maligned dogs and their caretakers, showing the deep bonds of love and devotion that exist between them. It also highlights the many positive qualities of the breed, such as their loyalty, intelligence, and protective instincts, and makes a compelling case for why these dogs deserve to be judged as individuals rather than based on their breed stereotypes.

Throughout the film, Beyond the Myth also grapples with the complex ethical issues surrounding pit bulls, including questions about animal welfare, public safety, and responsible ownership. The film offers a range of perspectives on these issues, from animal rights activists who advocate for the abolition of all breeding and ownership of pit bulls, to animal welfare experts who argue that responsible ownership and education are the keys to preventing dog attacks and promoting positive human-animal relationships.

Ultimately, Beyond the Myth is a thought-provoking and important film that, in the words of one reviewer, "documents with passion and precision the profound human struggle to define ourselves by the animals we keep." Whether you are a pit bull lover or skeptic, this film is sure to challenge and inspire you to think more deeply about the role of dogs in our society, and the ways in which we can work together to promote a more humane and compassionate world.