Independent Lens Season 17 Episode 1 Stray Dog

Stray Dog is the first episode of the seventeenth season of Independent Lens, a critically acclaimed documentary television series showcasing independent films from around the world. In this episode, we are introduced to Ron "Stray Dog" Hall, a gruff and tattooed biker and Vietnam War veteran from southern Missouri.

The film follows Stray Dog as he rides his motorcycle through the Ozarks with a group of fellow bikers, attends church with his wife Alicia, works at his RV park near the Mexican border, and spends time with his friends and loved ones. Along the way, we get to know Stray Dog as a complex and thoughtful man who is deeply committed to his family, his community, and his country.

Despite his tough exterior, Stray Dog is a compassionate and empathetic person who is constantly striving to connect with others and make a positive impact in the world. He spends much of his free time working as a volunteer chaplain for the local biker community, providing emotional support and guidance to those struggling with addiction, depression, and other personal challenges. He also travels to Washington, D.C. with other veterans to honor fallen soldiers and raise awareness about the ongoing needs of veterans struggling with PTSD and other combat-related injuries.

Throughout the film, we see Stray Dog grappling with his own demons, including the trauma of his war experience and the guilt he feels over the death of his own son in a motorcycle accident. He is supported in his journey by his wife Alicia, who provides a steady and loving presence in his life, and by his fellow veterans and friends, who offer him both camaraderie and a sense of purpose.

At its heart, Stray Dog is a powerful meditation on the bonds of family, the complexities of masculinity, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of trauma and loss. Through Ron "Stray Dog" Hall's story, we are reminded of the enduring power of human connection and the importance of reaching out to those in need, no matter how different they may seem from ourselves.

Independent Lens has long been a champion of documentary filmmaking that addresses important social issues and gives voice to marginalized communities. In Stray Dog, director Debra Granik (of Winter's Bone fame) has created a nuanced and deeply human portrait of a man and a community that is often misunderstood and overlooked. It is a testament to the power of documentary film to open up new perspectives and challenge our assumptions about the world around us. So, if you love watching independent storytelling that talks about social issues and perspectives - you'll definitely enjoy watching Stray Dog.