SAN SEBASTIAN, Spain – Hollywood star Brad Pitt has described co-starring with a dog in his latest film as a “really moving experience”. He made the comments at Spain’s San Sebastian Film Festival on Wednesday.

Directed by David Ayer, the survival thriller “Heart of the Beast” explores the bond between a military officer and his combat dog, Odin. After an air crash, the pair become trapped in the Alaskan wilderness.

Four dogs, all from the same family, portray Odin. However, a German shepherd named Uber delivers the bulk of the performance.

“I did have a really moving experience with Uber who plays Odin, who our dog whisperer found in New Zealand, and we bonded quickly,” Pitt told a news conference.

Furthermore, the 62-year-old Oscar winner explained that Uber surprised the cast during filming. “There were times he would do things that were just amazing, that were not in the script that you see in the film, and his expressions, they really moved me with him in the close-up,” he said.

Festival spotlight

San Sebastian ranks as the highest-profile film festival in the Spanish-speaking world. Moreover, the 74th edition wraps up on Saturday.

A total of 17 films are competing for the top awards in the official section. In addition, US director Ira Sachs presides over the jury.

Pitt’s film screens out of competition. Consequently, it draws attention to the festival’s growing reputation for hosting major Hollywood titles alongside international cinema.

The San Sebastian event follows a busy festival season. Last week, Venice closed its 83rd edition with politics and glamour, while Cannes wrapped up in May after two weeks of premieres.

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