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Sheep Hero
IDFA 2018

Sheep Hero

Schapenheld
Ton van Zantvoort
Netherlands
2018
81 min
World Premiere
Festival history

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. 

With the camera in his wake, the shepherd roams across picturesque Dutch landscapes, talking passionately about his inventive approaches to preserving his traditional occupation. But even as he tries so hard to keep his company afloat, the same camera captures how the incessant stress transforms him into an embittered man with a quick temper. Tragicomic conflicts alternate with scenes of beautiful nature and Stijn’s pleasantly chaotic family life.

Credits
Director
Production
    Ton van Zantvoort,
    Marc Thelosen for seriousFilm,
    Koert David Davidse for seriousFilm
Sound
    Iris van de Rijt,
    Olivier Nijs,
    Annerose Langeveld
    Iris van de Rijt,
    Olivier Nijs,
    Annerose Langeveld
Involved TV Channel
    Omroep Brabant,
    KRO-NCRV
    Omroep Brabant,
    KRO-NCRV
World Sales
    Films Transit International Inc.
    Films Transit International Inc.
Distribution for the Netherlands
    Windmill Film Distribution
    Windmill Film Distribution
Screening copy
    NEWTON film
    NEWTON film

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