Herd
Synopsis
Itamar breeds livestock that are destined for slaughter. His 10-year-old daughter Na’ama is growing up among the animals, and she’s finding it increasingly difficult to reconcile herself with their fate. But she still deeply admires her father and helps him out in the stalls without complaint.
In quieter moments, she discusses philosophical aspects of life and death with Itamar, who has his own clear vision on these matters. Through a fly-on-the-wall style, filmmaker Omer Daida tracks everyday life on this Israeli farm, from the lambing ewes and scurrying dogs to atmospheric scenes of the herd in the swirling sand. We see how Na’ama does her level best to support her father. The lens is often focused on this young protagonist, her questions and internal struggles clearly visible on her face.
Scene by aptly chosen scene, the film builds into a sincere and intimate father-daughter portrait that engages with complex questions of life and death, growing up, conflicting visions, and family ties.
Credits
Director(s)
Omer Daida
Producer(s)
Roni Caspi
Cinematography
Omer Daida
Editor
Almog Ganot
Original Music
Dana Maimon
Original Language
Hebrew
Sound
Dana Maimon, Noam Barkat
Sound Design
Ami Arad, Noam Barkat
Festival Highlights
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WINNER
Special MentionMakedox2022 -
WINNER
Special MentionPärnu Film Festival2022 -
WINNER
Most Promising Director AwardTel Aviv International Student Film Festival2022 -
Winner
Artistic Vision AwardBig Sky Documentary Film Festival2022 -
WINNER
Student CompetitionDocaviv2021 -
WINNER
Student Scholarship for Excellent CinematographyDocaviv2021
Documentary Edge International Film Festival, New Zealand, 2022
Pärnu Film Festival, Estonia, Competition, 2022
Ulju Mountain Film Festival, Korea, 2022
Big Sky Documentary Film Festival, USA, Competition, 2022
IDFA, The Netherlands, Short Doc Competition, 2021
Docaviv International Film Festival, Israel, Student Competition, 2021
Reviews
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The jury presents an Artistic Vision Award to a beautifully composed coming-of-age meditation on tradition, family ties, and our complicated relationship with the animals that we rely on for both companionship and sustenance. The cinematography and sound design - particularly the ever-present sound of “the herd" - were mesmerizing, immersing us fully in Na’ama's world. Jury of Big Sky Documentary Film Festival
