The Shepherd and the Bear: A Nuanced Look at Conservation Conflict
In the rugged peaks of the Pyrenees, a contentious initiative to reintroduce brown bears has sparked intense debate, pitting conservationists against local communities. This complex scenario forms the heart of The Shepherd and the Bear, a groundbreaking documentary by British filmmaker Max Keegan, which delves into the multifaceted tensions surrounding the bears' return after more than two decades of absence due to hunting.
Capturing Both Sides of a Heated Debate
Keegan spent two years immersing himself in the region, even learning French to bridge cultural divides. He aimed to humanise a conflict often reduced to stereotypes in media portrayals. "It's a conflict in which I can understand both sides of the debate," Keegan explains. "And I think both sides are right to be upset." The film avoids preaching or favouring one perspective, instead focusing on the personal stories of key figures.
One central character is Yves, a 63-year-old farmer who vehemently opposes the bear reintroduction, often seen with a cigarette dangling from his mouth. In contrast, Cyril, a young farmer's son passionate about nature photography, dreams of joining the agency responsible for the bears' return. Keegan's approach highlights their individual arcs, revealing the deep-seated emotions and contradictions at play.
Navigating Mistrust and Madness
The filmmaker faced initial scepticism from locals wary of journalists, who have traditionally framed the debate negatively. "For good reason, I was mistrusted for being a journalist," Keegan recalls. "Even when I said I was making a very different kind of documentary, I was still thought of as a journalist." This mistrust was compounded by extreme actions, such as anti-bear activists donning balaclavas to film intimidating videos, adding a layer of madness to the conflict.
Through breathtaking visuals of the Pyrenees, the documentary explores themes like endangered livelihoods, the importance of the natural world, and generational dreams. It presents no easy answers but offers viewers multiple perspectives to ponder, making it one of the most intricate nature films of the year.
Broader Implications and Personal Reflections
For Keegan, the project transcended mere storytelling, prompting deeper questions about contemporary society. "It made me question what we're collectively doing at the moment, and actually how good a deal people our age are getting," he says. He reflects on struggles with housing, depression, and economic challenges, suggesting that alternative lifestyles exist if people are brave enough to pursue them before they vanish.
The Shepherd and the Bear is now showing in cinemas, inviting audiences to engage with its rich, knotty narrative and the urgent issues it raises about conservation, community, and human resilience.
