Herd

Itamar breeds livestock that are destined for slaughter. His 10-year-old daughter Na’ama is growing up among the animals, and she’s finding it increasingly difficult to reconcile herself with their fate. But she still deeply admires her father and helps him out in the stalls without complaint.

In quieter moments, she discusses philosophical aspects of life and death with Itamar, who has his own clear vision on these matters. Through a fly-on-the-wall style, filmmaker Omer Daida tracks everyday life on this Israeli farm, from the lambing ewes and scurrying dogs to atmospheric scenes of the herd in the swirling sand. We see how Na’ama does her level best to support her father. The lens is often focused on this young protagonist, her questions and internal struggles clearly visible on her face.

Scene by aptly chosen scene, the film builds into a sincere and intimate father-daughter portrait that engages with complex questions of life and death, growing up, conflicting visions, and family ties.