For over one hundred years, Switzerland has played host to White Turf, an annual horse racing tournament that takes place on a frozen lake in St Moritz. However, a few kilometers west of town, the pomp and pageantry of the equine sporting event fade into tranquility at a horse training school run by Julie Hossman.

“I originally set out to make a film that combines the aesthetic beauty of a horse with the pounding viscerality of the races at White Turf,” says British photographer Samuel Bradley of his directorial debut. “I discovered a more arresting narrative in Julie and her relationship with horses. She tells us that it is not natural for a human to sit upon a horse, but we may do so if we behave as if we are horses and enter into their world.”

The resulting project is a meditative, black-and-white portrait of a peaceable woman who believes that the best way to train a horse is through natural horsemanship; a philosophy that harnesses an animal’s instincts and avoids unnecessary force or cruelty. Bradley uses his photographer’s eye to capture moments of meditative empathy between Hossman and her prized animals. In recognition of this unique bond, Bradley named this project Dam, which—in equine terms—means mother of the horse.

Unable to submit Dam to this year’s film festivals, which have been postponed because of COVID-19, Bradley has used this release to raise awareness of CHAYN—a global volunteer network addressing gender-based violence. Since the start of the lockdown, there has been a sharp increase in reports of domestic abuse as individuals are now trapped at home with their abusers. CHAYN provides intersectional survivor-led resources online and spearheads campaigns that tackle violence and oppression of women and non-binary individuals

In response to the film, CHAYN states: “Dam brings an overwhelming sense of calm. Set in the most serene of snowy landscapes, it peacefully creates an understanding of these impressive animals and offers escapism, which is desperately needed in these difficult times. We’re incredibly grateful for Samuel's support and willingness to use his platform to highlight our work.”

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