It’s titled Dog Jack, a film said to be inspired by Florence Biros’s 1999 YA (Young adult) novel of the same name. Written and directed by Edward T. McDougal, and set during the Civil War, the film centers on “an escaped slave boy and his faithful dog who join the Union Army, never expecting to see his master again.” But he does… on the battlefield.

The film stars Louis Gossett, Jr. (he narrates the story), Ben Gardner (as the escaped slave), Ken Craig, Frank Kasy, Eddie Huchro, Joe Gandurski, Kevin Holmen, Stephen Schuch and Shane Kenyon.

Essentially, it gives the reader/viewer a glimpse at the Civil War from the perspective of a young runaway slave, accompanied by his dog named Jack.

It’s been a long road for the film, years actually; since completion, it’s toured the festival circuit, picking up accolades along the way at the San Diego Black Film Festival and Black Harvest Film Festival, and, after a recent successful limited theatrical run in Illinois, there’s a possibility that the film will be released in more theaters nationwide.

Also, Screen Media Films in New York will release the film on cable TV, and Universal Home Video will distribute it on DVD/Blu-ray; a release date of February 2012 is given.

If you’d like to stay abreast of the film’s developments from here on, “Like” its Facebook page, which you will find HERE.

The film’s trailer follows below.