Making Strides: Horses, Healing, and Community
An examination of the life of “horse whisperer” Buck Brannaman, who recovered from years of child abuse to become an expert in the interactions between horses and people. 15th anniversary screening. Q&A to follow.
American cowboy Buck Brannaman has a unique way of communicating with horses, and it's exactly this unorthodox style of training that inspired the novel The Horse Whisperer. In this documentary, director Cindy Meehl gets to know the real-life Buck as she reveals his fascinating story about how an abusive childhood helped teach him the compassion and insight needed to train horses, not with punishment but by treating them the way he would treat humans—with respect. [88 min; documentary; English]
A Q&A with Lucy Downs (Sexual Assault Crisis Counselor, IU Counseling and Psychological Services) will follow the screening.
“How did no one think to make a documentary about this guy before?” – Richard Propes, The Independent Critic
“It has a strange and enigmatic beauty, bringing the myth of the American cowboy to startling and compelling life.” – Mattie Lucas, From the Front Row
“Real life trumps 'reel life' in this fantastic, sweet, personal, human story about this true eccentric character.” – Blake Howard, 2UE That Movie Show
Any film screened at IU Cinema may contain content that viewers find sensitive or upsetting. Visit our Audience Advisories page to learn more.
