Sometimes finding your way back means returning to the place you left behind.
The big screen is heading to the world of sheepdog trialling with THE DOG SHOW, a new family drama set in 1970s New Zealand and inspired by the beloved television series A Dog’s Show.
Starring Graham McTavish, David Wenham, and rising young performer Unaiki Stephens-Jones, the film follows a retired champion whose connection with his talented granddaughter gives him one final opportunity to return to the sport that once defined his life.
THE DOG SHOW is scheduled to arrive in New Zealand on October 22, 2026.
The Dog Show
- Director: Alex Galvin
- Starring: Graham McTavish, David Wenham
- Genre: Drama, Family, Comedy
A Grandfather Gets One More Chance
At the centre of THE DOG SHOW is Jack, a former champion sheepdog triallist whose career came to an unhappy end after disgrace brought his competitive days to a close.
Years later, Jack’s granddaughter Lucy discovers that she has a natural ability for sheepdog trialling.
Her talent gives Jack a reason to reconnect with the sport he had left behind. What starts as an opportunity to help Lucy develops into something more personal, as Jack finds himself back in competition with the possibility of restoring some of what he lost.
But getting back on the field won’t be easy.
Jack and Lucy must deal with a familiar rival—and one particularly troublesome opponent in the form of a mischievous sheep named Dolores. Along the way, Jack must also overcome his neighbour as he fights for the future of his family farm.
The World of Sheepdog Trialling Comes to the Big Screen
THE DOG SHOW brings a distinctly New Zealand setting and sporting tradition into the spotlight, focusing on the competitive world of sheepdog trials.
Set during the 1970s, the film draws inspiration from A Dog’s Show, the New Zealand television series that helped introduce audiences to the sport.
At its heart, however, the movie is about family, second chances, and the bond between a grandfather and granddaughter who find something meaningful to share.
The Cast
THE DOG SHOW stars Graham McTavish, David Wenham, and Unaiki Stephens-Jones.
The supporting cast includes Theresa Healey, Ryan O’Kane, and Jed Brophy.
With Lucy’s natural talent bringing Jack back into the world of competition, the film places the relationship between its generations at the centre of the story.
Alex Galvin Directs
THE DOG SHOW is directed by Alex Galvin.
The film combines drama, family, and comedy, using the world of sheepdog trialling as the setting for a story about redemption, rivalry, family, and keeping a farm from slipping away.
Release Details
Title: THE DOG SHOW
Release Date: October 22, 2026
Release Territory: New Zealand
Director: Alex Galvin
Inspired By: The New Zealand television series A Dog’s Show
Starring: Graham McTavish, David Wenham, Unaiki Stephens-Jones, Theresa Healey, Ryan O’Kane, Jed Brophy
Genres: Drama, Family, Comedy
THE DOG SHOW looks to offer a warm and entertaining story built around family, competition, and the possibility of getting a second chance.
With Graham McTavish leading the cast alongside David Wenham and Unaiki Stephens-Jones, the film brings the world of sheepdog trialling to a new generation while paying tribute to the television series that inspired it.
And with Jack, Lucy, and the troublemaking Dolores all standing between the family farm and another setback, there should be plenty of competition both inside and outside the trial field.
THE DOG SHOW arrives in New Zealand on October 22, 2026.
