Not One Drop of Blood

In the heartland of Eastern Oregon, beneath its expansive skies and amidst the rugged beauty of this historically livestock dominated region, our directorial debut, "Not One Drop of Blood," is a vibrant ode to modern Americana and a contemplation of the timeless allure of the American West.

The genesis of our film was Inspired by an article that went viral by journalist Anna King, which detailed the enigmatic mutilation of five bulls in rural Oregon, drained of blood and with their sexual organs precisely removed. As filmmakers, we were drawn not only to the sensationalism surrounding these perplexing incidents but also to the profound cultural tapestry they actually unveil—a tapestry woven with threads of tradition, resilience, and the ever-evolving frontier spirit.

Echoing the ethos of classic Americana, our narrative is steeped in the rhythms of pastoral life, where the resolute stride of the cowboy and the timeless rituals of livestock husbandry converge with the harsh realities of modernity. Against the backdrop of sweeping vistas and boundless horizons, "Not One Drop of Blood" offers a poignant meditation on the delicate balance between heritage and progress, tradition and innovation.

In crafting our vision, we sought to capture the essence of Eastern Oregon's soul—a land where the legacy of the cowboy endures in the dust-laden trails and weathered faces of its inhabitants. As filmmakers, we are keenly aware of the inherent dichotomies that define Eastern Oregon's existence—the delicate balance between tradition and progress, isolation and interconnectedness, myth and reality. Through intimate storytelling, we strived to navigate these complexities with nuance and empathy, offering audiences a window into a world seldom seen and rarely understood.

Central to our narrative is the notion of both inclusivity, and who is included? — we had a commitment to amplifying diverse voices and perspectives that reflect the true fabric of Eastern Oregon's community. From the steadfast resolve of indigenous peoples to the tireless toil of agricultural workers, to the existential threat of climate change and the encroachment of corporate interests on family-run ranches, "Not One Drop of Blood" serves as a poignant reflection of the challenges confronting the modern-day cowboy towns and the values they embody.

In hindsight, our journey has been one of self-discovery as much as it has been an exploration of external landscapes. Through the lens of our cameras, we have been granted access to moments of profound intimacy and vulnerability—moments that have challenged our preconceptions and expanded our understanding of the human experience.

As we embark on this cinematic odyssey, we extend our deepest gratitude to the community of Eastern Oregon for their generosity, candor, and unwavering support. It is through their stories, their struggles, and their triumphs that "Not One Drop of Blood" has found its voice—a voice that echoes across the vast expanse of the American West and beyond.

Thank you for considering our labor of love.

Warm regards,
Lachlan Hinton, Jackson Devereux, and Anna King
Directors and Producers of "Not One Drop of Blood"