A film directed by Thomas Balmès (Director, Author, Director of Photography, Producer)

Length 52′

Production
Quark Productions – TBC Productions – CANAL+

Broadcasters
Canal + France, Canal + Belgium, TSR, ZDF/ARTE, TV2, SVT, Ikon, RTE Spain,
TV3 Catalonia, SBS, RTP Portugal, RDT Danmark.

Synopsis
This film takes a wry look at the cultural confrontation of East and West, as
reflected in attitudes towards the cow. In India, the cow is revered and cared for
well beyond its prime. We see a hospice where cows spend their last days in
comfort. When the BBC reports on the mass slaughter of cows due to mad cow
disease, the Indians are appalled. One suggests that the British send their sick
and old cows to India for caretaking.

When MacDonalds opened up in New Delhi, featuring the Maharajah Burger, there
was outrage at this affront. To many Indians it is a symbol of Western cultural
imperialism – Western greed undermining traditional values in India. One elderly
maharajah hopefully observes that the Indian culture has survived thousands of
years and will not succumb to this latest onslaught.

« …an effective tool in illustrating the differences in cultural values between
India and the West. »
Asian Educational Media Service

Awards
Grand prix des indépendants aux rencontres Media Nord-Sud 98 de Genève,
Grand prix Brazil International Festival of Environmental Films 2000
Festivals
IDFA, Sheffield Documentary Film Festival, Vue sur les Docs

Trailer

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