Schapenheld

Feb 21 2019 N/A 1h 21m
Documentary

About 10 years ago, filmmaker Ton van Zantvoort got to know Stijn, an idealist with a cheerful, relaxed nature. Stijn is one of the last remaining Dutch shepherds working in the traditional way. We see the shepherd, his sheep and his three loyal dogs crisscrossing nature reserves and farmlands so the herd can graze the land in an eco-friendly way. But nowadays, little remains of the romance and peace that we associate with the centuries-old tradition of sheepherding. Tenders are increasingly hard to acquire—competition from big companies, cheap East European shepherds and smart machinery make Stijn the expensive choice.

Plot

A traditional shepherd is forced to innovate in a neo-liberal world that conflicts with his idealistic views. Shepherd Stijn has chosen to live as a free man, supporting his family in an honest and sustainable way. Or so he thought. But modern neoliberal life has its demands and grinds him down bit by bit. What is left of his freedom, when he's constantly fighting to protect it? Is there a solution?

Written by

Ton van Zantvoort

Directed by

Ton van Zantvoort

Cast

N/A

Crew

View crew

Production Countries

Netherlands, Romania

Production Companies

NEWTON film | seriousFilm

Languages

Nederlands

Awards

15 wins & 14 nominations

Trailers
IDFA 2018 | Trailer | Sheep Hero
Scores
# of Votes
156
Average Rating
6.8 out of 10
Metascore
NA
Popularity
NA