by Christine Pesta
What do you do when your livelihood leaves you struggling with your conscience? That is what a farmer in the UK is faced with in this moving documentary short film by Alex Lockwood.
73 Cows tells the story of Jay Wilde, a cattle farmer in the UK who inherited the business from his father, and has been trying to run it while wrestling with his conscience over the most heartbreaking part of his business.
The film explores how he and his wife try to find a viable alternative to keeping the cows and move forward with a farm free of the dark, depressing cloud that hangs over them. Jay does not want to contribute to a world of violence and he recognizes that the cattle in his care are sentient creatures, each with a personality of their own. He feels as though he is a monster to betray their trust, but struggles with what to do with them, as switching over to growing organic produce would be an option, but not if it still means taking the cows to slaughter.
This award-winning, thought-provoking little gem is a must for anyone wishing to understand the struggles of farmers, the ethics behind veganism, or anyone who just enjoys good filmmaking.
You are at once drawn into the plight of Jay and Katja as they struggle to make what will be life-altering decisions. You can feel the absolute pain and depression Jay is going through as a clearly kind man that can no longer cope with doing an unkind thing for the sake of making a living.
Lockwood has created a compelling and inspiring film that should get both vegans and non-vegans alike talking about exploring more compassionate ways we can all prosper without harming others.
I highly recommend this film, particularly to those who are wishing to understand some of the reasons behind veganism, as well as business students who have the opportunity right out of the gate to find alternatives to how companies can be run for the good of their owners, employees, and customers, without sacrificing the Earth or any living thing on it.
Year: 2018
Running Time: 15 minutes
Rating:
Christine Pesta is a writer, and the owner and Executive Editor of Live Your Life Vegan. You can follow her here, on Live Your Life Vegan, where she contributes regularly, as well as on social media.
