American Mustang: A Passionate Film on Wild Horses

American Mustang is a groundbreaking film that brings to light the ongoing battle over land-use rights involving the Bureau of Land Management, cattle ranchers, and wild horse activists. Directed by Monty Miranda and produced by Ellie Phipps Price, this film offers a unique perspective on the plight of wild horses.

Unlike traditional documentaries, American Mustang is a 70-minute 3-D film narrated by award-winning actress Daryl Hannah. It avoids the typical 'talking heads' approach and instead tells the story through the eyes of a 14-year-old girl, played by Julia Putnam. The film captures the essence of wild horses without resorting to shock tactics, offering a family-friendly viewing experience.

The film showcases scenes of horses being rounded up by helicopters and herded into holding pens, filmed from angles that convey the message without causing distress. It also highlights the absence of slaughterhouse scenes, focusing instead on the mustangs' journey and the challenges they face.

Ellie Phipps Price, a lifelong horse enthusiast, has dedicated her life to the conservation of wild horses. Her passion is evident in her ownership of 220 mustangs, which live on her 2,000-acre ranch in California. Her journey into activism began after witnessing the conditions of mustangs in government holding facilities, leading her to create this powerful film.

Through American Mustang, Phipps Price aims to foster dialogue and understanding among various stakeholders, including ranchers and wild horse activists. The film emphasizes the importance of finding solutions and compromises to ensure the survival of these iconic animals.

Since the enactment of the Wild Free-Roaming Horse and Burro Act in 1971, over 270,000 wild horses and burros have been removed from public lands. The film highlights the ongoing debate between ranchers, who view wild horses as competition for grazing land, and activists, who argue for the preservation of these animals in their natural habitat.

Following its premiere at the Starz Denver Film Festival, American Mustang will be showcased at the Napa Valley Film Festival and other major equestrian events across the country. Phipps Price hopes the film will inspire viewers to appreciate the value of wild horses and the need for their protection.

For more information, visit the original article by Joanne Davidson in The Denver Post.