EFF: Shepherds

Bergers

Australian Premiere

Following a medical wake-up call, Montréal copywriter Mathyas abandons his life in Canada to reinvent himself as a sheep herder in the French Alps. After a rough start, he’s joined by Élise, a civil servant tempted by his stories of pastoral life, and together they commit to a summer on the mountainside. Just the two of them. And one border collie. And 800 sheep.

Director Sophie Deraspe makes full use of the majestic vista of the French Alps as her characters are framed by a countryside that is all at once unforgiving, rugged, breathtaking and tranquil. Based on the acclaimed semi-autobiographical novel by Mathyas Lefebure, who also co-wrote the screenplay, Shepherds is a romantic paean to dropping out of the rat race and getting in touch with nature.

Festivals & Awards

Special Presentation at the Toronto International Film Festival 2024

Rating

Unclassified 15+

Duration

113 min

Country

France, Canada

Language

French (English Subtitles)

Cast

Félix-Antoine Duval, Solène Rigot, Guilaine Londez, Michel Benizri, David Ayala, Younès Boucif, Bruno Raffaelli, Aloïse Sauvage, Véronique Ruggia Saura

Director

Sophie Deraspe