Cinema release: March 19th
In the middle of the picturesque but harsh Alps, a legend is born: 'Barry', the most famous of all Saint Bernards. Inspired by true events, the film tells the moving story of the legendary avalanche dog from Great St. Bernard – a unique friendship between a little boy and his dog.
In search of a better life, the brothers Georg (Paco von Wyss) and Alfons dare to make the arduous journey across the majestic Great St. Bernard to Italy. But when twelve-year-old Georg falls ill, Alfons has no choice but to leave him in a monastery high up in the snow-covered mountains. Protected by the old walls, Georg finds himself in a strange world – characterized by strict rules and mistrust. Above all, Célestin, the leader of the monastery students, makes life difficult for him. But in Resi (Alma Büchenbacher), the lively daughter of the avalanche dog handler, Georg finds a friend – and through her he meets the young St. Bernard 'Barry'. Georg secretly looks after the weak puppy, which he nurtures against all odds. A deep friendship soon develops between the shy boy and 'Barry'. When Célestin betrays him, Georg has to go before the prior (Ulrich Tukur) fearing for his future in the monastery and that of his faithful companion.
Everyone knows and loves the loyal 'Barry' with his unmistakable keg around his neck. Inspired by the true story of the most famous Saint Bernard – who saved over 40 lives as an avalanche dog between snowy peaks from 1800 to 1812 – 'My Friend Barry' is a heartwarming adventure for the whole family. The film takes young and old on an exciting, visually stunning journey to the Alps – a story about courage, trust and the power of friendship.
Directed by Markus Welter (Crime Scene: Little Princes, In the Wake of the Night), 'My Friend Barry' was produced by Atlantis Pictures in co-production with MMC Zodiac, Swiss Radio and Television SRF, SRG SSR, Centauri Media, Senator Film and blue. Funded by the Zurich Film Foundation, the Film and Media Foundation NRW, the German Film Fund, the Federal Office of Culture, the FFA Film Fund, the Canton of Lucerne, the Valais and Ticino Film Commission and Suissimage.