For a While (Story of Loukanikos)
Between 2008 and 2011, Greece experienced a major economic crisis, leading to numerous demonstrations that often turned violent. Amid the riots in Athens, a stray dog called Loukanikos, named after loukaniko sausage, emerged as an unlikely guardian, shielding his ‘pack’ of protesters from heavily armed police. Publicised by the media, Loukanikos the Riot Dog became world-famous as a mascot and poster boy of the protesters.
Pierre Chaumont compiled extensive footage on the phenomenon and, a decade after the unrest, created a short video with Loukanikos as the narrator. The ‘autobiographical’ tale is at once tender and unsettling, for the brave dog could not halt the police brutality inflicted on the protesters. Viewed through the dog’s perspective, the images gain a deadpan clarity and a quiet warmth far removed from the response triggered by news broadcasts.