The film is noted for its unique creative choices, particularly the use of claymation to give the cows—named Ruth, Rivka, Goldie, and Lola—their own personalities and voices.
: Critics have described it as an absurdist satire that uses humor to highlight the grim realities of the conflict. The Wanted 18 YIFY
: Co-director Paul Cowan hoped the film would allow audiences to see the Palestinian perspective on daily life under occupation in a new light, as noted in POV Magazine . Availability The film is noted for its unique creative
: The film is available for purchase or rental through platforms like Kino Lorber , Apple TV, and Google Play . Availability : The film is available for purchase
: An abridged version of the film can be found on the National Film Board of Canada (NFB) website. AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more
The 2014 documentary-animation hybrid The Wanted 18 tells the improbable true story of 18 cows that became symbols of Palestinian resistance during the First Intifada. Directed by Amer Shomali and Paul Cowan , the film blends interviews, live-action reenactments, and stop-motion animation to depict a community's quest for self-sufficiency.
In the late 1980s, the residents of Beit Sahour , a town near Bethlehem, sought to boycott Israeli products as an act of non-violent civil disobedience. To achieve dairy independence, they purchased 18 cows from a friendly kibbutz to start their own local milk production.