In this long-banned Thai film from 1998, a group of men and women literally worship a mongrel dog in their ashram. They dress the animal in a monk’s robe and floral wreaths, and carry it around on a pillow. It’s easy to see why more than 25 years ago the Thai powers-that-were regarded the DogGod’s ideas and images as depraved crimes against Buddhism – and, in fact, all religions. They weren’t wrong about the film’s intent either. Director Ing K.’s film is a satire meant to illustrate the folly of unquestioned religious belief. Only recently has the movie been given a passing grade by the Thai movie censors, and after tightening the original cut by 10 minutes the filmmakers are taking another go at releasing their scabrous film into the world.
Despite the customs and religiosity depicted in DogGod being specific to Thai audiences, the film is universal in its condemnation of blind faith. The story begins after a man who has lost his wife and baby daughter to this dog-worshipping sect calls in a professional cult investigator to rescue them. The two men go to the ashram and at first observe and participate in the group’s devotions. What they quickly uncover are cynical leaders and unquestioning followers who eat their food from dog bowls with their mouths to the ground, scan dog feces for mystical portents, and engage in sex – doggie-style, of course.
Although the group’s roots in conventional Buddhism are apparent, the absurdity of the sect’s belief system is plainly visible and often laughable. Undoubtedly, the impact of this very low-budget film would have been much greater for pre-21st-century Thai nationals than it might be currently for worldwide audiences. A heavy dependence on strange visual dissolves, a muddy sound mix, and poor acting will further diminish DogGod’s universal appeal.
Nevertheless, the movie is an engrossing cultural artifact, fascinating for its originality, female direction, and group-think excoriation. In our present time of rampant religious fanaticism, DogGod’s ideas also gain renewed pertinence. Originally the film’s title was My Teacher Eats Biscuits before transforming into DogGod for this new edit. Another appropriate title might be borrowed from Charles Bukowski’s biting book of poems, Love Is a Dog From Hell. Literally.
