You all probably know AUGUST MATURO after watching him as “Auggie” in the smash Disney Channel hit Girl Meets World or from some of his voice work in animated shows or one-offs on other series. He has wonderful comedic timing and definitely an actor to watch. And after watching SHEPHERD: THE STORY OF A JEWISH DOG, I can think of no young actor better than AUGUST MATURO to tackle the role of a 10-year old Jewish boy named Joshua who learns about life, love, and loyalty thanks to his dog named Kaleb. On speaking with AUGUST MATURO, I am convinced that the Fates intervened in his casting as it takes a young actor with as much heart as compassion as August has to embody the role of Joshua.
We first meet Kaleb, one of the puppies born to the German Shepherd owned by Joshua and his family, in 1935 Germany. While all of the other puppies are given away, Joshua cannot bear to part with Kaleb. The two become inseparable and Kaleb becomes a beloved member of the family. But within the year, things change in every respect as we see throughout the town Jewish-owned businesses shuttered and those that remain open no longer willing to sell to Jews. And then come the Nuremberg laws banning Jews from owning dogs, thus forcing Joshua’s father to give Kaleb away. Joshua is heartbroken as is Kaleb. While Kaleb takes to the streets, eventually becoming a trained “Jew hunter” for an SS officer, Joshua and his family are rounded up and separated with Joshua soon finding himself in a German “work” camp. But what happens on his arrival at the camp when Joshua steps off the train and Kaleb, now called Blitzie by his handler, is awaiting the new load of Jews?
As Joshua, August’s performance is off the charts. He wraps you around his little finger and never lets go. You feel every tear, every look of fear, every moment of joy when he is with Kaleb. August and Kaleb steal the show and melt your heart.
I spoke with AUGUST MATURO in this exclusive talking about the making of SHEPHERD: THE STORY OF A JEWISH DOG, his preparation for the role including mastering an accent, learning about the Holocaust, working with the various dogs portraying Kaleb, falling in love with puppies, the physical demands of the role, including taking an icy plunge into a Hungarian river/lake on a frigid dark Fall night, and more. His joy and pride with this film and his part in it are undeniable – and with good reason. But one of the most outstanding things I learned about August, and you will too, is his unselfish work as an ambassador for Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Connection Team (FAACT). Himself living with severe food allergies, August is a strong advocate for allergy awareness, especially in kids and teens, and speaks about allergy awareness at every opportunity.
And as for all that time with puppies and dogs, I bet you’re wondering if August brought one home? TAKE A LISTEN and find out. . .
by debbie elias, exclusive interview May 18, 2021
