BARDSTOWN, Ky. — The story of EthanAlmighty is coming to the big screen.
Billed as “a true story about a dog and his owner who changed animal cruelty laws,” the movie tells the story of Ethan, also known as EthanAlmighty, and Jeff Callaway, his owner. The pair are on a mission to raise awareness of abused and neglected animals in Kentucky and across the nation.
According to a news release, preliminary filming will take place on Dec. 5 at the annual Bardstown Kiwanis Christmas parade in Bardstown, Kentucky, where Ethan and Callaway are serving as Grand Marshals. It also says principal photography is slated for the spring of 2025 in Bardstown.
Ethan’s story spurred the Kentucky General Assembly to action, passing House Bill 258, also known as Ethan’s Law, which was signed into law in April 2024. The law, which took effect on July 15, 2024, stiffens the punishment for intentional torture of a cat or dog from a first offense misdemeanor to a first offense Class D Felony. It specifically defines torture as the intentional infliction of extreme pain, physical injury, or death to a dog or cat, motivated by intent or wanton disregard while restrained.
The news release says “EthanAlmighty — the movie” is a “dramatic, faith-based, true story of a courageous dog that survived unspeakable odds and brought the entire state of Kentucky together as they prayed for his recovery.”
The screenplay is written by Tane McClure and Tyke Caravelli; McClure is also set to direct.
The Bardstown Kiwanis Christmas Parade opens with music on the square from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. The parade is from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., with the parade route beginning at 5th and Broadway and traveling to North 3rd Street; then down 3rd Street to West Stephen Foster Avenue.
To learn more about the movie, visit the film’s website.
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