Yukon MP concerned Sled Dogs doc was funded under 'false pretences'

Yukon MP Larry Bagnell says he's concerned that a documentary about dog mushing may have beenfunded under false pretences.

Sled Dogs which debuted earlier this month at the Whistler Film Festival has come under fire from mushers who sayit portrays them and their sport in a highly negative light.

• Prominent Yukon musher calls on MP to denounce sled dog documentary

• Dog sled tour operator defends industry in wake of critical documentary

The film's producers received more than $400,000 from the Canada Media Fund (CMF), and Bagnell has directed his concerns there.

TheCBC'sDocumentary Channel is also planning to airSled Dogs.

Bagnellsays promotional material posted onlinebeforethe film was released does not seem anything like the film that debuted earlier this month in Whistler, though he has yet to view the film for himself.

"I've asked the Media Fund to review and see if the money they put out even though it's mostly private sector money if it was put out on false pretences, if it was put out on that description. And if it was, they should consider revoking the funding," saidBagnell.

Bagnellsaid he began looking into the filmeven before he was contacted by prominent Yukon musher Michelle Phillips, who is calling on politicians to denounce the film.

Bagnell said he's concerned that Yukon sled dog owners are being unfairly maligned and there could be a negative impact on tourism.Bagnellsaid he's also spoken with the minister responsible for the CMF, Heritage MinisterMlanieJoly,about the matter.

'Exhilarating look' or 'provoking expos'?

The independent production and distribution company CCI Entertainment has described the film on its website as "an exhilarating look into the world and culture of the North American dog sledding industry. This film will take the audience on a majestic ride showing a more intimate view of this widely popular tourist attraction."

Promotional material for the Whistler Film Festival, however, describedthe film as a "provoking exposof the cruelty to dogs that permeates the commercial dog sled operations that supply sled dogs for such famous races as the Iditarod in Alaska."

The film's director, Fern Levitt, says in a statement on the film's website that she came to the subjectwith an open mind, and then found that people in the sled dog industry look at it "through rose-coloured glasses."

The CMF is looking into the complaints about misrepresentation by the filmmakers. It's also said that Levittand CCI Entertainmentare respected within their industry.