HEART VALLEY
by Karen Pecota

Christian Cargill, UK | 2022

London based documentarian and cinematographer Christian Cargill collaborates with screenwriter Kiran Sidhu to share one of the most delightful short film narratives one will ever screen in HEART VALLEY. Their story follows a day in the life of Evan Wilf Davies, a 73-year-old Shepard from the small village of Cellan, Wales.

Cargill and Sidhu question Evan about his daily existence as a village farmer, who cares for his animals and works the family land inherited from his great, great, great, great grandfather. A kind and inquisitive man, Evan joyfully invites the filmmakers to stroll with him along his daily routine. Evan openly shares what makes him happy, and sad; and gives sound advice to younger generations.

Evan explains that what makes a good farmer is whether he likes his job or not. Evan was born in Cellan and never left the Cellan Parish out of love for everything that surrounded his life--family, land, animals and community.

Evans says, "The word Shepard means you have to look after the flock no matter what the weather. They need plenty of food and water daily. Routine is important for me and my work." He continues, "I work every day mostly to keep me happy. My sheep are like family. They have their own character and I learn from them."

Evan carries on the family tradition of breeding The Plynlimon Speckle sheep. This specific breed has a black nose and black odd spots on the legs and face. He keeps a total of 70 sheep and 50 lambs. The saddest part of his work is when he has to decide which will be slaughtered for market. Evan admits that his livelihood has its drawbacks but chooses to not dwell on the hardships of today's culture.

Evan feels fortunate at his age to be working his land and caring for his sheep because it is his happy place. At the close of the day, Cargill's camera shadows Evan on his evening walk and says, "I save my thinking for this walk. I like to be present, polite and always ready to help someone. I like my job. I never look at my watch like those who hold jobs from 8 to 5, who are always looking at their watch for when it's time to quit. Do the work you like to do. Do what you want to do. When I am at the top of the valley, I can see the sheep and the beauty of the surrounding landscape. I'm a lucky man! The valley has shaped my heart, it was made to shape my heart, so I can be full of happiness living a rewarding life what I like to do." (KP)