Lupe of the Cow

Everyone in this small Mexican village knows the "Lupe of the Cow" story. Lupe is about 100 years old, rides around on a saddled cow, looks like an "Apache right out of a film," and has only one good eye. All the farmers know about him, but no one actually knows him - or has even seen him. Superstitious tales abound in this rural landscape, but traditional mysticism is deeply interwoven with the harsh realities of modern life. The filmmaker follows several small-scale farmers - men and women - who keep cattle, make cheese and milk, and sell crops. The prices they get are a fraction of the amount the end product will be sold for. Poverty is pervasive in this agrarian community, but the abundant stories provide warmth. This film brings out the richness of the characters of the people behind the products. They are devoted ranchers who take care of a sick animal as they would a sick family member. They are deeply concerned about the future. How long can their lives continue as they are? Their imaginative tales are interspersed with lighthearted animations depicting stories that are probably invented but nonetheless are very real to the members of this community. (International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam)