Russian Cowboys? Yee-hah!

Some Brief Comments on this month’s film, “The Grab”
By Mountain Shadow Director, John Bennison

“Old Mother Hubbard, went to the cupboard,
To give her poor dog a bone;
When she came there the cupboard was bare,
And so her poor dog had none.” – childhood nursery rhyme.

“Let there be work, bread, water and salt for all.” – Nelson Mandela

Normally, we only bring one or two documentary films to our Mountain Shadow audience. But in recent years, I’d say the documentary film genre has certainly expanded its reach with more creative ways of engaging viewers and telling their story. Such was the case with Mountain Shadow’s last two monthly selections, “Arc of Oblivion” and “Songs of Nature.” The documentary filmmaker took us on an unexpected journey; to see the world around us in new and unexpected ways.

When I saw “The Grab” at the Mill Valley Film Festival in October, 2023, I immediately told Nate Halverson I wanted to bring this dramatic doc to Mountain Shadow. But it took nearly twenty months for the filmmaker and Center for Investigative Reporting to arrange film distribution and its premiere this weekend. While the film was completed some time ago, the film’s message could not be more relevant today than before.

As investigative reporter, Nate Halverson put it, in the twentieth century there was OPEC that controlled the world with oil supplies. “In the future,” he says, “we’re going to have FOODPEC.” Just a few of the many other quotes from the film that reiterate the point:

“You know the famous quote about nine meals away from chaos. Food is a very central way to wield power.” – Former U.S. Dept of Defense, Molly Jahn. And, in 2021, VP Kamala Harris proclaimed, “For years and generations, wars have been fought over oil. In a short time, they will be fought over water.”

The teaser I’ve used to lure viewers to see this film has been the question if you’ve ever heard of a Russian cowboy? Early on in the film, we learn global warming has melted the permafrost area of Russia; where Vladimir Putin subsequently wants his own cattle ranches to boost the meat production. So he imports a rancher from Iowa to train his own cowboys. And, if you think the war in Ukraine is merely a land grab for the sake of power and restoration of a former empire, think again.

Instead, it’s a none-too-subtle reminder of the fundamental, basic human need for food and water. I trust you’ll appreciate this film. jb

NOTE: You can watch a Zoom recording of a post-screening Q&A with Nate Halverson and “Brig” HERE.