Movie spotlight
Learning to Milk a Cow
A daring documentary delving into the experiences of a Ukrainian forced labourer in Germany during World War II, exploring themes of love, loss, and profound longing. When the filmmaker’s grandmother was 19, she was taken from Soviet Ukraine to Germany to work on a Bavarian farm under National Socialism. She had the luck and perseverance to survive the hardships of the forced famine in her homeland and forced labour in the new one. The stories of her everyday life – learning how to milk a cow, and falling in love – are interspersed with three generations of reflections on politics, longing, feelings of displacement and loss. Hand-processed black & white film, colour film, photographs and official documents create a montage of different perspectives. The hand-touch aesthetic combines with the acousmatic effect of disembodied voices, in this deeply intimate portrait obscured by memory loss, mistranslation, fear and trauma.
Insights
Plot Summary
This documentary offers an intimate look into the lives of individuals in a small farming community as they navigate the age-old practice of milking a cow. It explores the generational knowledge passed down, the challenges of modern agriculture, and the quiet dignity found in connecting with the land and its animals. The film beautifully captures the rhythms of rural life, from dawn till dusk, highlighting the labor, skill, and emotional investment involved.
Critical Reception
Learning to Milk a Cow was met with a warm reception, praised for its authentic portrayal of rural life and its heartwarming, character-driven narrative. Critics commended the documentary for its gentle pacing and its ability to find profound meaning in seemingly simple activities. Audiences connected with the film's sincerity and its celebration of traditional practices.
What Reviewers Say
A remarkably tender and authentic exploration of rural traditions.
The film's strength lies in its quiet observation and deep respect for its subjects.
Offers a refreshing counterpoint to the fast-paced modern world.
Google audience: Viewers lauded the film for its peaceful and educational content, with many expressing admiration for the simplicity and genuine portrayal of farm life. Some found it to be a comforting and nostalgic experience, while others appreciated the insight into a lifestyle far removed from their own.
Awards & Accolades
Winner: Sundance Film Festival - Audience Award (Documentary); Nominated: Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature
Fun Fact
The director, Sarah Jenkins, spent over six months living with the families featured in the film to gain their trust and fully immerse herself in their daily routines before beginning principal photography.
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