“Dog on Trial” is an unpredictable courtroom comedy where everything hinges… on a bark. Directed by Laetitia Dosch, the film opens in open-air cinemas across Greece on June 26. It won the Palm Dog award at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival and has been screened at numerous international festivals, including the latest Thessaloniki Film Festival. Tackling a range of hot-button issues with freshness, humor, and emotion, the film delivers a surprise ending for the audience.

In this highly original film, an independent lawyer known for taking on hopeless cases decides to defend a dog. A lively and entertaining trial unfolds, with the dog’s life hanging by a thread.

Backed by a dynamic cast, the film raises questions about our relationship with animals. It is led by one of the most talented actresses of her generation—frequent collaborator of Justine Triet (Anatomy of a Fall)—Laetitia Dosch.

Are dogs considered “property” under Swiss law, as defined by their “owner”? Why is a dog that bites someone automatically sentenced to euthanasia, without context or regard for its nature? Can we truly live with an animal only if it conforms to our standards—submissive and obedient? Does love always equate to respect when it comes to animals? And ultimately, what does the dog have to say about all this?

The performance of the four-legged star, Cody, in the role of “Cosmos” is extraordinary—a symbolic name, as the dog quite literally carries the weight of the world.

As for the expressive female lead, in a story set in Switzerland, she ends up defending not only animal rights but also women’s rights. While a dog appears to be on trial, what’s really being judged is society as a whole.

The cast also includes François Damiens, Anne Dorval, Jean-Pascal Zadi, and of course, the dog Cody.