SYNOPSIS

Based on the novel "Because of Winn-Dixie," by Kate Dicamillo, the film tells the story of a 10-year-old girl who moves to the small Florida town of Naomi with her preacher father (Daniels). Lonely and friendless, the girl grows close to a big, ugly, suffering dog, Winn-Dixie, whom she names after the supermarket where she finds him. Because of the dog, she winds up meeting and befriending a colorful cast of characters that becomes her extended family, including a drifter (Matthews) and a librarian (Saint).

PREVIEW NOTES

• The Hollywood Reporter reports that singer Dave Matthews will make his studio debut in the Wang film which is due to start shooting in late September. - 2003-08-25