On this page: COW | FINAL ACCOUNT | WRITING WITH FIRE

< < D O C S > >

Central is the idea that humans use living creatures for whatever they can get out of them. This smallish farm is full of friendly workers who chat to the cows and call Luma by name, but everything about her existence goes against nature, and she has no choice but to accept her fate. This includes giving birth or being milked when required. After so much time in muddy barns, a period in a sunny field feels almost like a holiday, especially as she nuzzles through a fence with cows in the next field.

Arnold finds humorous juxtapositions along the way, such as the fortuitous appearance of fireworks in the sky as Luma gets friendly with an amorous bull. But for the most part, the film remains honest and earthy, occasionally turning harrowing or downright horrific. It's a striking depiction of the way humans have subverted the natural order of things, and it forces the audience to contemplate what we eat from a new perspective. Not everyone who watches this will want to become vegan, but it definitely makes us think about it.

themes, violence

30.Nov.21

It's telling that most interviewees deflect prejudicial attitudes to siblings and parents. For example, one speaks about how his brother realised he needed to rethink he discovered his father was Jewish. Today they see their experiences through new eyes, and are horrified of what they observed and how Nazi songs are still imprinted in their memories. Karl-Heinz recalls being proud when, as a preteen, his parents bought him a Nazi uniform at a Jewish shop. Some are still in deep denial about what happened.

While these recollections have been documented before, the angle here a new. The people who are interviewed speak with a haunted sensibility that's deeply unsettling. They acknowledge that everyone knew exactly what the Nazis were up to, remaining quiet out of fear. It's chilling to hear them acknowledge to their inaction in the face of such violence, while carefully avoiding an admission of complicity. But their shame is vivid, and adds complexity to what we think we know about history. It also makes us reconsider what we would have done in their shoes.

themes, language, violence

1.Dec.21

With their new digital outlet, Khabar Lahariya's reach becomes national, and they are now sharing their skills with a new generation, training up an army of young female reporters who would otherwise be sidelined due to their gender and caste. Educated and independent, they are rebelling against a system that removes all of their decision-making power. And of course the men don't like this. Even Meera's likeable husband Shivbaran refuses to admit that she has more power than he does.

Structured with a gentle but driving pace, the documentary inventively finds ways to explore the elements of good journalism, cleverly contrasting mainstream news footage and government dissemblance with Khabar Lahariya's expert coverage. It's inspiring to see the determination of these women to remain neutral and fair in the face of rampant prejudice and pressure from all sides. And since journalists who dare to criticise the right-wing government are being murdered, they understand the urgency of speaking the truth. And so does their vast, growing audience.

themes, language

28.Dec.21