Shepherds on Screen: A Troubling Trend Reflects Real-World Horrors

A curious convergence has emerged in recent cinema: shepherds. Whether a quirk of timing or a deeper reflection of societal anxieties, films featuring shepherds and the pastoral life are cropping up with surprising frequency. But this cinematic trend is far from uniformly idyllic. While some films romanticize the shepherd’s existence, others expose the brutal realities lurking beneath the surface. This juxtaposition highlights the vast spectrum of experiences, from tranquil connection to nature to horrific encounters with violence and extremism, that can define life in these often-isolated communities.

Sophie Deraspe’s "Bergers" offered a lighter, almost escapist take. The film centers on a Quebecois advertising executive who seeks refuge in the Provençal countryside, embracing the life of a shepherd as a means of breaking free from his own "sheep-like" existence. Despite the challenges, including a wolf attack, the film ultimately portrays a romanticized vision of rural life, emphasizing the beauty of the landscape and the simple pleasures of working with animals. It’s a narrative of self-discovery and finding peace in a more natural environment.

Christopher Andrews’ "The Clan" takes a dramatically different approach. Set in Ireland, the film delves into a bitter feud between two neighboring farmers, escalating into a violent and bloody confrontation. The film explores themes of territoriality, resentment, and the dark side of human nature, culminating in a gruesome act of decapitation. While fictional, the film hints at the raw and unforgiving nature of life in isolated rural communities, where disputes can quickly spiral out of control.

However, it is Lotfi Achour’s "The Children of the Red Earth" that delivers the most disturbing and impactful depiction of the shepherding profession. Based on the true story of Mabrouk Soltani, a young Tunisian shepherd murdered by Islamic extremists in 2015, the film presents a stark and unflinching look at the consequences of religious fanaticism and the vulnerability of marginalized communities.

The film focuses on Nizar, a 16-year-old shepherd well-versed in the rugged terrain of Tunisia. He mentors his younger cousin, Achraf, a 14-year-old boy with a bright smile despite his missing tooth. Their pastoral existence is shattered when they are captured by a group of Islamist terrorists. Nizar is accused of being an informant and brutally beheaded in front of Achraf. Achraf’s life is spared, but he is forced to deliver Nizar’s head to his parents as a message of terror.

Achour masterfully conveys the profound trauma inflicted on Achraf and his family. The film lingers on the mother’s grief as she confronts her son’s severed head in the family’s refrigerator. While media and politicians descend, eager to exploit the tragedy, Achour keeps them at bay, focusing instead on the community’s response. He follows Achraf, Nizar’s brother Mounir, their father, and uncles as they embark on a perilous journey to recover Nizar’s body in the mine-infested hills. The spectral presence of Nizar haunts Achraf throughout the film, a constant reminder of the horrors he witnessed.

"The Children of the Red Earth" is a powerful indictment of terrorism and its devastating impact on ordinary people. Achour avoids sensationalism, instead focusing on the human cost of violence and the resilience of the community in the face of unimaginable loss. The film highlights the vulnerability of rural populations, often neglected by authorities and left to fend for themselves against extremism.

The film serves as a potent reminder, echoing Abderrahmane Sissako’s "Timbuktu," that Muslims are often the primary victims of jihadist violence. It portrays a community abandoned by the state, exposed to the brutality of terrorism. A final title card reveals the grim fate of Mabrouk Soltani’s older brother, who was also beheaded by the same terrorist group in the same location a year and a half later.

The film doesn’t shy away from depicting the horrific act of terrorism targeting a civilian. By grounding the story in reality, Achour amplifies the film’s emotional impact and forces viewers to confront the harsh realities faced by communities living in the shadow of extremism.

The recent wave of films featuring shepherds, particularly "The Children of the Red Earth," raises important questions about the role of cinema in addressing complex social and political issues. While some films offer escapism and romanticized portrayals, others serve as powerful reminders of the real-world dangers faced by marginalized communities. This cinematic trend, especially when viewed through the lens of "The Children of the Red Earth", highlights the need for greater awareness and understanding of the challenges faced by those living in the shadows of violence and extremism. The films serve as a stark reminder that the idyllic image of pastoral life can often mask a reality fraught with danger and injustice.