Documentary milks universal connections

"Beyond its nutritional value, milk has an emotional significance. It is a symbol of heritage, connection, and continuity," she adds.

The documentary presents an in-depth look at the lives of the Maasai plains people of East Africa, where arable land is scarce and vegetables are virtually nonexistent. With livestock too precious to slaughter for meat, milk is their primary source of sustenance and nutrition.

Despite this minimal diet, which is supplemented by maize porridge mixed with milk, the Maasai exhibit remarkable endurance, often working tirelessly throughout the day. "When we arrived for filming, we immediately felt how central cattle and milk are to their lives," says chief director Deng Jie.