Film Independent Members, you and a guest are invited to join us for a theatrical screening of The Shepherd and the Bear, followed by an in-person conversation with director Max Keegan.

Set high in the majestic French Pyrenees, The Shepherd and the Bear explores a conflict provoked by the reintroduction of brown bears in the midst of a traditional shepherding community. The film follows an aging shepherd who struggles to find a successor as bears prey on his flock, and a teenage boy who becomes obsessed with tracking the bears. Through its breathtaking cinematography and immersive storytelling, the film is a modern folktale about tradition, community and humanity’s relationship with a vanishing natural world.

From WILLA, The Shepherd and the Bear is directed by Max Keegan and produced by Jesse Moss and Amanda McBaine (Boys State, Girls State, The Overnighters) and Elizabeth Woodward (Claire Denis’ The Fence, The Voice of Hind Rajab), edited by Sabine Emiliani (March of the Penguins) and supported by Impact Partners and Sundance Catalyst.

The film was the Closing Night Film at Camden Film Festival in Maine and had its international premiere at IDFA, where it was nominated for Best First Feature. It was longlisted for two British Independent Film Awards including Best Documentary and Best Debut Director.

 
2025, 101 minutes, Written by Max Keegan, Sabine Emilani | Directed by Max Keegan | Featuring Yves Raspaud, Cyril Balthasar, Lisa Laguerre, Valerie Daude, Cyril Piquet, Christian Balthasar | Produced by Elizabeth Woodward, Amanda McBaine, Jesse Moss, Max Keegan | Executive Produced by Jenny Raskin, Lauren Haber, Jessamine Burgum, Kara Durrett, Johannes Arver, Bill Reedy & Emily Reedy, Robina Riccitiello, Nancy Stephens & Rick Rosenthal, Andrea Van Beuren, Christine Woodhouse
 

Registration Information

Film Lover Members receive priority entry at this event. Arts Circle Members are guaranteed access, and receive both priority entry and reserved seating. Email membership@filmindependent.org for more.

All Film Independent Members can register for this event starting at 3:00 pm PT on Tuesday, October 21. | Registration is free; one registration per Membership. | Proof of Member status is required to complete registration.
 

Tickets/Parking

On the day of the event, registered Members may pick up tickets as early as 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start time – look for Film Independent signage. Tickets are nontransferable and for general, unreserved theater seating only (except for Arts Circle Members). Attendees must be in their seat(s) at least 15 minutes prior to the advertised start time or seat(s) may be released. Entry/seating will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests may not enter the venue without the Member who registered them present. Registration does not guarantee entry, even with a ticket in hand.

Cinema Village does not have its own parking, but there is public parking on nearby streets and several nearby paid parking options in parking garages.
 

Accessibility

Film Independent is committed to hosting events that are accessible. For inquiries regarding accessibility, or to request an accommodation, please contact us at accessibility@filmindependent.org or 323 556 9305.
 

Screening Policies

Availability window and registration capacity may vary; always register as early as possible. Limit one registration per individual, per event.

Attendees are required to follow all rules and guidelines as laid out by Film Independent and/or its partners. If a guest has been registered for an event by a Member, these policies shall apply to that guest. Violation of policies may result in suspension or termination of Membership/access to future events.

Event details and guest participation are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice.