Gaucho del Norte

A Chilean Sheepherder Working in Idaho

In this observational documentary of impressive beauty and painterly cinematic images, the imbalance of economic forces is seen in high relief. In the quiet, bucolic Patagonian countryside in the town of Bahia Murta we meet Eraldo Pacheco, a thoughtful man who has recently arrived at a momentous decision. "Things are worse here than ever" Eraldo tells his father as he announces his plan to move to the United States to fulfill a three-year contract tending sheep almost 6,000 miles away in rural Idaho.

Once in the U.S., Eraldo encounters Jhonny from Peru, a young man who has also made the difficult decision to leave his family behind. Both face the struggles ahead with characteristic strength, as well as moments of deep uncertainty. Did they make the right decision? Ultimately, their paths diverge as each faces the tension between being providers for their families and being present in their lives.