The Hunt

The British tradition of the fox hunt goes back until the mid-eighteenth century. Today the United Kingdom numbers around two hundred hunting associations with a total of 250,000 members and as many supporters. In the hunting season, which runs from the end of August until early March, five hundred hunts take place every week. To many British the fox hunt symbolises the traditional, English country life. Poultry farmers support the hunt because the fox embodies their natural enemy. At the same time the hunters acknowledge the intelligence of a worthy opponent. That is why, according to them, the fox deserves to be cornered in this ceremonial way. THE HUNT examines the symbolic and social significance the fox hunt has for the life in the English countryside. Director Niek Koppen filmed the staff and members of the Ludlow Hunt in Shopshire during the past hunting season. The discerning documentary follows the master of the hunt Captain Rupert Inglesant and his two aids Simon en Andrew. Never before was a film crew given the opportunity to capture this sport from this close and in all its aspects. Koppen also explores the relationship between man and the animals involved. The employees of Ludlow Hunt collect animal corpses from the surrounding farms to process them into food for the thirty odd hounds. In the country, life and death turn out to be rougher. In the hunt and the contact with the dogs an ancient aptitude resounds that has developed over a period of centuries. THE HUNT is not an indictment nor propaganda and will make nobody change his mind.