Ben Moon's "Denali" is a Triumph And Came Alive Again This Week

Sometimes we come across mini features and documentaries that cater to a certain group of people, sometimes we find work that caters to several, and then we find those mini-gems like Ben Moon’s “Denali” that cater to everyone watching, not just among those who adore film, the arts, or any other creative visual extension of entertainment.

Yes, though it is infrequent to come across such anomalies, the viewer must also acknowledge that he or she is not the only individual watching, myself included, and understand that such universal artistic pieces feel a compulsion to cater to each viewer in the room, no matter how simple or nonsensical the messages within may seem in order to do so.

Well, since this particular feature - that had me welling up a little - is produced on an aesthetically visual platform, I’d say the magic was worked correctly, and catered most to the standards of the ones who, not only loved it and supported it, but had the ability to distribute it as widely as possible. It’s certainly a story worth sharing, a continuation of talent that the world was born to witness, and a beautiful relationship meant to be shown. If it has to do what it has to do to get there and fulfill the reasonable, plausible expectations of those who found it, so be it, because it has too much spirit inside to remain in hibernation. 

In April, Colorado’s 5Point Film Festival awarded “Denali” with its Best of Festival and People’s Choice awards - though it’s been grazing through the internet since, and some of you may have already seen it, its presence on the world wide web was reinvigorated this week. In short, it is a mini documentary of  a man, the creator Ben Moon, who is diagnosed with colorectal cancer and how his relationship with his dog Denali aids in the fight against this deadly disease. Anyone who is a dog person knows that these creatures have such a heightened, sensitive energy about them, they know when you’re feeling sad, upset, lost, or even sick, and can make you feel better with such simple gestures like resting their head on your lap, leaning against you before you walk out the door because they don’t want you to leave, and even running up to the window pane crying as you head out with their paws against the glass (Excuse me, I had this experience with my dog Enzo as I moved out last year - I tear up every time I think of it - it’s as though he knew I was gonna be gone for the better half of awhile). Well, this type of bond is certainly known by dog people, including Moon, the helmer and star of this beautiful project, and his sidekick Denali.

Grab some Kleenex, hug your dogs, and watch the feature here.