unknown
February 3, 2026
The Shepherd and the Bear review
Farmers oppose the reintroduction of brown bears in Max Keegan’s immersive and beautiful documentary that resists snap judgments
TL;DR
- The documentary is set in Ariège, southwestern France, and features the endangered brown bear and shepherds.
- Brown bears were hunted out of existence in the region by the early 2000s but have been reintroduced, with around 70 now present.
- Local farmers oppose bear reintroduction, citing livestock deaths.
- The article of the trade of shepherds is also an endangered species, with few young people joining the industry.
- A TV commentator states that 85% of a brown bear's diet is vegetarian, a claim dismissed by shepherds who have experienced sheep being killed by bears.
- The film was shot over three years, with locals accustomed to the camera.
- The documentary shows a farmer who is awestruck by the beauty of a bear and its cubs.
- The film presents no easy answers regarding the coexistence of bears and shepherds.
Continue reading the original article