Lek and the Dogs is a feature film adaptation of Hattie Naylor's play, Ivan and the Dogs. It is based on the true story of Ivan Mishukov, a four-year-old boy who, in 1996, walked out of his Moscow apartment and lived on the city streets for two years, where he was taken under the protection of a pack of wild dogs.
The movie is directed by Andrew Kötting and stars Xavier Tchili as Lek, the fictionalized version of Ivan, who is running away from his abusive father. Lek eventually finds himself in the midst of a pack of dogs, where he is able to survive by adopting their behavior, including scavenging for food and sleeping in abandoned buildings.
As Lek lives with the dogs, he creates a unique bond with them, earning their loyalty and respect. Over time, he becomes their leader, and they protect him from the dangers of the city streets. However, this relationship is eventually put to the test when Lek is forced to choose between staying with the dogs or returning to a "normal" human life.
The film explores themes of survival, isolation, and the complex relationship between humans and animals. It is a haunting and powerful portrayal of a true story that captures the resilience of the human spirit.
