This film follows Ahmed, a camel herder in western India, and his family living a nomadic life shaped by tradition. With great intimacy, it shows how they search for water sources, tend to their animals and travel through the desolate landscapes. In quiet conversations by the fire or whilst on the move, it becomes clear just how much Ahmed and his family are caught between the past and the future. They wrestle with the question of whether to continue along the old paths or to provide their children with a different, supposedly safer life.

The documentary relies on the simple power of observation. The calm, atmospheric images create an intimate connection with the protagonists, and underline what’s at stake: not just a way of life, but an understanding of how to live in harmony with nature. Relationships between people, animals and the landscape merge, in a delicate fabric - all part of a cultural heritage that may soon disappear. The film is much more than a portrait; it exemplifies how traditional communities worldwide can be torn apart by the tensions of an accelerating present. At the same time, it invites the audience to appreciate the beauty and significance of a way of life that, despite all challenges, retains a remarkable dignity.

For more DW documentaries, follow this link