“The Last Link” screening

In 2003 then-AFLCR board member Tim Kahn produced a documentary film, The Last Link, that features Basque American sheep herders living in Wyoming. In the film, a family descended from Basque immigrants journey to their ancestral homeland in the Pyrenees for the first time, to reunite with their relatives and share their experiences. The film, which was directed by Tim’s son Ben, explores themes of traditional lifeways, culural change, sustainable agriculture, and the flow of generations.

On October 5 the French department at Saint Michael’s College will present a 20th-anniversary screening of the film (lasting just over 1 hour). Watch the trailer here!

The screening will be followed by a panel discussion featuring:

-Tim Kahn, executive producer, whose work inspired the film
-Carol McQuillen, of Common Roots, an organization influenced by the Kahns’ work
-Meg Ostrum, author of The Surgeon and the Shepherd (2004), a book about Basque participation in the resistance to the Nazi occupation of France.  

Ben Kahn, the film’s director, will participate either by Zoom or with a taped message.

The languages of the film are French and Basque, with some English. For the non-English parts, there are no subtitles, but the panel will help viewers understand the context as they comment on the film’s vivid cultural expression.

Tastes of the Pyrénées will be provided by Common Roots Catering.

The evening is presented with support from the AFLCR as well as: St.Michael’s College (Center for Global Engagement, Center for the Environment, and the French Program), the Honfleur Sister City Committee, le Président des Pyrénées Atlantiques, le Consul Général de Boston, and Common Roots.

 Admission is free.

Here is a map with advice on parking: