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A short film about cattle farmer Jay Wilde who had a change of heart and saved his cows from slaughter before turning vegan recently scooped up the top prize in the Best Short Film category at this year’s BAFTA Film Awards. In a bid to inspire agricultural policy change the film will be screened at the European Parliament.
BAFTA-award winning documentary 73 Cows will be screened at the European Parliament in Brussels in March at a screening arranged by Humane Society International who hope that those viewing the film will be inspired to make changes to agricultural policies.
The short film, which won in the Best Short Film category at this year’s BAFTA Film Awards tells the story of cattle farmer Jay Wilde who had a change of heart and saved his cows from slaughter before turning vegan.
Mr Wilde, a vegetarian for 25 years, inherited a cattle farm when his father passed away, but made the decision to send most of the herd to the Hillside Animal Sanctuary in Norwich when he could no longer bring himself to send the animals to be killed.
Speaking about the reasons behind his decision, Mr Wilde said: “Cows have good memories and a range of emotions. They form relationships. I’ve even seen them cry.
“It was very difficult to do your best to look after them and then send them to the slaughterhouse for what must be a terrifying death.”
Announcing the news of the screening on Facebook, Director Alex Lockwood said: We never expected our little film could potentially have a direct impact on European policy. We’re beyond proud. Never underestimate the power of film!
If you’d like to watch the documentary at home, head to Curzon Home Cinema where you can rent the movie for £5. From April 1st the film will be available to watch for free on Vimeo.
