Universum Europe's last Nomads

They leave profound traces on a vast continent. They fear neither wind nor weather and resist attackers resolutely. They protect and give life. They discover ancient ways that lead into the future. They are adventurers, pioneers and visionaries and, with every step, they write NATURAL HISTORY.

The shepherds of transhumance and their barely manageable flocks.

They are: EUROPE’S LAST NOMADS.

 

A world full of obstacles blocking direct routes towards the goal.

Modern times that leave no space to slow down.

A hectic society, where respect for one another Is forgotten.

What has happened to the people that oppose these developments?

They are still here! On a truly epic scale!

 

The shepherds and their enormous flocks in Spain, France, Italy, Austria and Romania have come to make room for a traditional, nature-oriented lifestyle. On their path across Europe, they set their own pace and lead their own lives - a life deeply in touch with nature and their animals. 

„Europe’s Last Nomads“ tells the engaging story of transhumance - nomadic pasture farming - in the third millennium, from different angles: From the point of view of animals and humans, building momentum and guaranteeing a differentiated and entertaining approach to these epic migrations.

 

The behavioral patterns of the actors - whether human or animal - can be projected on to a map of modern Europe. A Europe in motion. A Europe of trust, and distrust. Of mutual dependence. A Europe with open borders, but one where everyone wants to preserve his own identity. Our film is a story of survival, but also a story about life. Told by humans and animals from diverse cultures, who all excel to reach a common goal - every year, following a tradition without which they would all be lost: Nomadic pastoralism along ancient paths - deeply rooted in Europe’s soil.

 

The film takes the viewer on a journey to four very different European regions: to Spain, to Southern France, to the Alps between South and North Tyrol; and to Romania. The varying topography, flora, fauna, culture and history of these regions alone guarantees a richly diversified documentary.

 

The breathtaking spectacle of nature presents four protagonists, that represent a larger ensemble; the sheep, the dog, the wolf and the shepherd are the central characters on this sensational stage. They are accompanied by numerous extras played by flora and fauna, adding a delicate finishing-touch to the production.

 

THE „PROTAGONISTS“ ARE ASSIGNED TO ONE COUNTRY EACH:

The dog - as a shepherd’s loyal companion and helper in Spain.

The wolf - as the flock’s predator in Romania.

The sheep itself - in a flock in Southern France.

The shepherd - in the Ötztal Alps between Italy and Austria

 

In order to present as many surprising and dramatic moments as possible, we will look at transhumance with „different eyes“ in each of the countries concerned. These are the eyes of a sheepdog, a sheep, a wolf and a shepherd. Guiding sheep to healthy grazing lands on most original routes is a common goal of shepherds everywhere, so the story strands can be merged and interlinked and lead to one shared finale - yes, a „happy ending“. Because, when they arrive at their goal, even if they are thousands of miles apart, they are still spiritual brothers.

 

• A story about nature and wildlife, always in motion redefining itself time and time again

• A film about the connection between humans and animals on long journeys and through harsh conditions.

• A documentary about friendship and trust, responsibility and mutual dependency.

• An animal-human parable on a European scale.

 

 

A Coproduction of Interspot Film, Kwanza, Cwmni Da and Ganga Productions for ORF Universum, France 2 and S4C. Funded by Creative Europe Media and Fernsehfonds Austria, distributed by ORF Enterprise.