First Cow
The dynamism and diversity of contemporary American film production is based on the emergence of singular voices, and in particular that of women, who in recent years have succeeded in imposing themselves in greater numbers in the industry. This cycle will highlight the talent of these women directors through a range of works that breathe new life into their respective genres, from western to horror film, historical reenactment, adaptation, psychological drama and road movie.
- A skilled cook (John Magaro) travels west and joins a group of fur trappers in Oregon, though he only finds true connection with a Chinese immigrant (Orion Lee) also seeking his fortune. Soon the two will collaborate on a successful business, although its longevity is reliant upon the clandestine participation of a nearby wealthy landowner’s prized milking cow.
Kelly Reichardt
Kelly Reichardt is an American film director and screenwriter. She is known for her minimalist films closely associated with slow cinema, many of which deal with working-class characters in small, rural communities. She made her feature film debut with River of Grass (1994) and subsequently directed a series of films set and filmed in Oregon, including the dramas Old Joy (2006) and Wendy and Lucy (2008), the Western Meek's Cutoff (2010), and the thriller Night Moves (2013). In 2016, she wrote and directed the Montana-set drama Certain Women. Since 2019, she has returned to directing Oregon-set dramas, with First Cow (2019) and Showing Up (2022). Reichardt's ninth film, The Mastermind, premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival.
Photo: Courtesy of MUBI
