IDFA-Premiering Documentary ‘The Shepherd and the Bear’ Bought by Jour2Fete for French Distribution (EXCLUSIVE)

As a film enthusiast with a penchant for documentaries that delve into the heart of human struggles against nature’s raw power, I find myself drawn to the upcoming release of “The Shepherd and The Bear.” Having spent my formative years in the rugged landscapes of the French Pyrenees, the setting alone stirs a sense of nostalgia.


Jour2Fête secures French distribution for Max Keegan’s “The Shepherd and the Bear,” acquired at IDFA, with a planned theater release in 2025.

The movie ‘The Shepherd and the Bear’ is set to make its debut on the global stage as the closing film for the 2024 Camden International Film Festival in Maine. Previously, this documentary had its international premiere at IDFA, where it was recognized with a nomination for best first feature.

The negotiation of the deal was carried out by Elizabeth Woodward, representing Willa and Etienne Ollagnier, as well as Sarah Chazelle for Jour2Fête. Notably, Willa will manage international sales for the film, while Submarine Entertainment is responsible for domestic sales.

Perched atop the grand French Pyrenees, I found myself immersed in the heart-wrenching tale of “The Shepherd and The Bear.” This story unfolds amidst the tension sparked by the return of brown bears to a longstanding shepherding community. As an old shepherd grapples with his dwindling flock, due to the predation by these bears, and a young boy develops an intense fascination in tracking them, I was drawn into their intertwining narratives.

Keegan remarked, “The movie ‘The Shepherd and The Bear’ delves into the extraordinary lives of people living in a secluded region of the stunning French Pyrenees. The reception has been incredible, and we can’t wait to present this tale to audiences within its native land.

Woodward noted that the documentary is essentially a “French tale, filmed in France,” and she’s confident that Jour 2 Fête will play a crucial role in fostering a robust audience for the movie during its release. She described Jour2Fête as a highly respected figure in the theatrical distribution sector with exquisite taste, who will be instrumental in bringing our film to audiences in France.

Ollagnier expressed that he was “extremely captivated upon our initial encounter with (‘The Shepherd and The Bear’) – not only by its compelling narrative, but also by the movie’s impressive cinematic skill.” Furthermore, he found the film’s vividly drawn characters to be particularly engaging.

In this movie, Sabine Emiliani (“March of the Penguins”) handles the editing, while Amine Bouhafa (“Four Daughters”) creates the music score. The producers include Elizabeth Woodward for Willa, Jesse Moss, Amanda McBaine from Mile End Films, and Max Keegan from Salthill Films. Additionally, Eleonore Voisard serves as a co-producer on this film.

The film is overseen by a team of producers, including Jenny Raskin and Kelsey Koenig from Impact Partners, Jessamine Burgum and Kara Durrett from Pinky Promise Films, Johannes Arver, Emily Reedy, and Bill Reedy, Robina Riccitello, Nancy Stephens, Rick Rosenthal, Andrea van Beuren, and Christine Woodhouse.

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2024-11-21 00:46