Because of Winn-Dixie

About Because of Winn-Dixie

Because of Winn-Dixie is a 2005 family drama film directed by Wayne Wang. Based on a novel by Kate DiCamillo, the film tells the story of 10-year-old Opal, who moves to a small town in Florida with her preacher father. The two are lonely until Opal adopts a stray dog she encounters at the local supermarket, Winn-Dixie. The dog helps Opal make new friends and reconnect with her father.

Making / Production

The film was a collaborative combination of Walden Media and Twentieth Century Fox with Wayne Wang serving as the director. Production was carried out in several locations in the USA. The Dixie breed dog used in the film was played by a Picardy Shepherd.

Actors

• AnnaSophia Robb played Opal Buloni, and she wonderfully captures Opal's friendship with Winn-Dixie and her transformation throughout the story.
• Jeff Daniels played Preacher Buloni, and he accurately portrayed a father struggling to connect with his daughter.
• Cicely Tyson played Gloria Dump, bringing to life the character's wisdom and kindness with elegance.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film was actually shot in Louisiana, not Florida, where the story was set.
• Five dogs played Winn-Dixie in total throughout the film.
• The film stays quite true to the source material, the 2000 children's novel by Kate DiCamillo.

Awards

The film did not win any significant awards, but it was nominated for the Young Artist Award for Best Performance in a Feature Film - Young Actress Age Ten or Younger.

Quotes

• "There ain't no way you can hold onto something that wants to go..." - Gloria Dump
• "You got to consider a tree as a friend." - Miss Franny
• "A dog can sure sniff out a person's heart." - Preacher Buloni

Music, Soundtrack

• "I've Gotta See You Smile" - Performed by Leigh Nash
• "Fly" - Performed by Shawn Colvin
• "Sunflower" - Performed by Alice Peacock