Petit paysan

Pierre is in his early thirties and runs his family’s dairy farm with unwavering dedication. His days are shaped by hard work, routine, and a deep bond with his cows, who are far more to him than mere livestock. In the rural isolation of the French countryside, his life seems firmly structured: the farm, the herd, the responsibility. But when an epidemic breaks out and fear spreads of the so-called “Belgian disease,” Pierre’s world begins to collapse. The authorities impose strict measures, entire herds are to be slaughtered as a precaution. Suddenly, everything is at stake – not only Pierre’s livelihood, but the very thing that gives his life meaning. Driven by anxiety, pride, and rising panic, he is determined to protect his animals at any cost. As he becomes increasingly isolated, he is drawn into secrecy and forced into decisions that push him to the edge. Help comes from his sister Pascale, a veterinarian torn between professional duty and family loyalty. PETIT PAYSAN blends social realism with the tension of a thriller, offering an intense portrait of a young farmer fighting an invisible threat. Director Hubert Charuel, who grew up on a farm himself, brings striking authenticity to the film – shot on his own family’s farm. The result is a powerful story about responsibility, isolation, and the fragile bond between humans and animals.