I first learned about the Loco-Motivés during an interview with a journalist in Rodez. She told me about a new association that was exceptionally dynamic. I had just finished a documentary about salt harvesters in Bourgneuf Bay, in the west of France, and wanted to carry on with the theme of organic and responsible farming.

Filming Julie

Isabelle in her gardens

A monthly meeting with Vincent

Pierre and his ducks

I made my way to Caplongue, a tiny village in the Lévézou hills and the birthplace of the Loco-Motivés. After an enthusiastic discussion with farmers and other members committed to local distribution, I felt I had the beginnings of an interesting documentary. A week later, I began filming their activities from season to season.

For a year I filmed their daily work, the ups and downs, so that people could find out where the food they order comes from. The association farmers talked to me about their previous jobs and why they had chosen their new way of life. My own outlook is in complete harmony with my characters: choosing to respect the natural environment includes respecting human life and being content oneself.

Now that the film is finished, my wish is to have it screened as widely as possible to advocate the need for responsible farming and local food sourcing. Its distribution will be firstly through discussion evenings at local cinemas in the South of France and then in an English version internationally.

                                                                                                              Oliver Dickinson