A new documentary film shows what happens to a community after the TV news cameras pack up and leave. The Bulldogs has released its first official trailer ahead of its world premiere at the Slamdance Film Festival later this month. The film follows the residents of East Palestine, Ohio, for a full year after a major chemical train derailment shook their town in 2023.
Directed by Ohio-based filmmakers Noah Dixon and Ori Segev, the documentary moves past the initial headlines of the disaster. Instead, it focuses on the personal stories and everyday rhythms of a town learning to live with uncertainty. The film’s first look shows high school football games, holiday concerts, and the simple acts that keep a community connected.
Documentary Release Date and Festival Premiere Details
The world premiere of The Bulldogs is set for the 2026 Slamdance Film Festival. The festival opens in Los Angeles on February 19 and runs through March 6. The documentary is scheduled for two in-person screenings at the festival: one on February 20 and another on February 22.
For those who cannot attend in person, the festival will also host a virtual segment. Films will be available to stream on the Slamdance Channel from February 24 to March 6. The film is listed with a runtime of 1 hour and 24 minutes. After its festival run, the documentary is expected to be released more widely in 2026.
Film’s Focus on Everyday Life and Community Resilience
The filmmakers have made it clear their work is not another retelling of the train derailment itself. The documentary captures the long-term emotional impact on East Palestine. Co-director Noah Dixon explained their goal was to document life after the intense media spotlight faded away.
“We kind of knew early on that this sort of thing unfortunately happens a lot,” Dixon said. “The news cameras will cover the story, but after a couple of weeks they leave. We wanted to know what life looked like after that.”
The trailer highlights several town residents who have taken new paths since the disaster. One retiree leads a cardio-drumming class for older women and has started a podcast to share positive stories about East Palestine. A local chiropractor, deeply affected by events, has turned into an activist and decided to run for Congress. The film finds moments of humor and connection in ordinary town events, from football games to community variety shows.
How the Filmmakers Earned the Town’s Trust
Gaining access to a community dealing with trauma and constant media attention was a careful process. Directors Dixon and Segev are both from Ohio and have deep ties to the region, which helped. Their method was based on consistent presence rather than quick interviews.
“We were just there,” Dixon shared. “We ate at the diner, we went to football games, people saw us every other weekend. Over time, that matters.”
They often visited without filming at all, allowing natural relationships to form. This patient, observational approach allowed them to meet a wide range of people. They describe the community as welcoming, often guiding them to other neighbors with important stories to tell.
The Emotional Core and People Featured in the Documentary
The film does not shy away from showing how the disaster created different viewpoints within the town. Residents grappled with whether to leave, fight for change, accept the situation, or use humor to cope. The documentary portrays these divisions to show the complex human response to a shared crisis.
One powerful moment in the trailer features a resident reflecting on the town’s history, stating, “the trains built the town of East Palestine.” This line underscores the painful irony that the very industry that founded the community also brought it catastrophe.
The people in the film emerged naturally through the filmmakers’ many visits. Alongside the podcaster and the congressional candidate, the documentary follows a retired pizza shop owner, a former football star, and other everyday citizens. By revisiting them across different seasons, the film lets the audience feel the passage of time and the slow process of adjustment.
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Where to Watch the Trailer and Learn More About the Film
The first official trailer for The Bulldogs is available to watch now. It was released by the industry news site Deadline and is shared on the YouTube channel of the production company, Loose Films. The trailer mixes scenes from the immediate aftermath of the derailment with present-day life in East Palestine.
For more information on the documentary, you can visit the film’s official website at TheBulldogsFilm.com. Updates and behind-the-scenes content are also posted by Loose Films on Instagram. Tickets for the Slamdance Festival screenings can be purchased through the festival’s Eventive platform.
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