Shepherds' Journey Into The Third Millenium (2002): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 2002, Shepherds' Journey Into The Third Millenium is a documentary film directed by Erich Langjahr, running about 124 minutes.

What it’s about. Director Erich Langjahr follows several of the last remaining shepherds in Switzerland, on the cusp of the third millennium. How does one of the oldest human means of subsistence survive into the modern age? At an unhurried pace, he captures the shepherd, his sheep, his dogs and his mules as they trudge across snow-covered fields, climb mountain passes and cross highways. The sheep have to be cared for all year round and the life of a shepherd is physically demanding. Shepherds stay outdoors, or in small huts and caravans – often in places inaccessible by car. During their long periods away from home, their families expand and their children grow up. But they wouldn’t have it any other way; being a shepherd is a very conscious life choice. One of them puts it like this: “I just can’t sit still. As long as my health allows me I’ll always be on the go. No matter where in the world, I’d like to be on the go forever.”

How it landed. With an audience score of 8.0/10, Shepherds' Journey Into The Third Millenium sits among the best-reviewed titles in the catalogue.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Shepherds' Journey Into The Third Millenium page.

If you liked it. Fans of Shepherds' Journey Into The Third Millenium tend to enjoy One Direction: This Is Us, Burn the Stage: The Movie, BTS World Tour: Love Yourself - Japan Edition and Senna.