'Riding for the Brand' involves a year in the lives of three dedicated Montana ranching families, some whose earlier generations came to the Big Timber area during the early cattle drives from Texas a century ago. However, within a single generation, an ever-growing and ever-changing America has presented this agricultural sector with new environmental issues and economic problems that have made it difficult to remain viable. In on-the-street interviews, we see mixed concerns within the consumer market over the origins of their food products. There is a growing number, however, that have become quite concerned about the quality and origins of their food source, and the Montana ranch families are striving to meet the desires of this market.—Anonymous
Ten years in the making, "Ridin' for the Brand," by Stephanie Alton, has earned its place amongst the most compelling, important, and gorgeous documentaries about ranching in Montana. As author Jim Harrison says, Its the best film Ive ever seen on the new West which in terms of ranchers and cowboys is the same as it ever was. The film is utterly genuine. "Ridin' for the Brand" is a Montana story that journals a year in the life and times of three old-time Montana ranching families. Originally coming to the Big Timber area during the early Texas cattle drives over a century ago, these families are struggling to maintain the only life they know and love. These ranchers share how global markets, government policies, slaughterhouse and meatpacking, monopolies and urban sprawl are forever changing their livelihoods and landscapes.
Altons film gives a glimpse into the world of ranching and livestock, and the interesting stories and way of life of the people who are so connected to us, as consumers, through their hard work, care, and hours devoted to the animals that eventually reach our plates. People who move here dont know anything about livestock, Alton adds. The film is a good way to find out about who produces your food and whos your neighbor.Ranchers who have seen the film give it a thumbs up.I thought she did a really good job, says Elaine Allestad. She must have an eye for catching characters. I know everyone she filmed. She just did a good job of getting a variety.I was actually quite taken with it, says Scott Hibbard, a co-owner of Sieben Livestock Company, a local cattle and sheep operation. I really liked her use of the camera and use of historic footage, which she uses to help put modern day ranching in historic perspective.The film shows a very rich historic part of Montana, Hibbard says, a part of Montana most urbanites dont see especially new people. Its informative to people not versed in ranching and whats passing right now. It gives a good flavor of ranching in Montana.As screenwriter William Hjortsberg aptly writes, Looking beyond the cowboy myth, Altons film captures the slog and grind of ranch work, documenting a way of life on the brink of extinction.Ridin for the Brand is so much more than a story about ranches of the West; it is a story of the dedication and steadfastness of the people of this land and their ranches. And it is also a story of the conscious changes people are making in their food choices and agricultural practices.
