Gladesmen: The Last of the Sawgrass Cowboys is a 2018 documentary film directed by David Abel, who is known for his work on ocean and environmental issues. The movie takes an intimate look at the lives of the Gladesmen, a group of people who have been living and working in the Everglades for generations. The Gladesmen are a unique group of cowboys who have been living off the land and waterways of the Florida Everglades for over a century. They were once a common sight in the region, but now their culture and way of life is disappearing. The film explores the history of the Gladesmen and the challenges they face in modern times.
The documentary follows several Gladesmen families, as they go about their daily lives, living off the land, fishing, and hunting. It gives an in-depth look into their way of life, including the challenges they face from environmental pressures, including climate change, and the growing development of the Glades.
The film also explores the history of the Gladesmen, including their origins as Seminole and Miccosukee Indians who were forced into the swamps to avoid persecution by the US government. The Gladesmen developed a unique way of life that allowed them to survive and thrive in the harsh environment.
One of the main themes of the movie is the challenge of preserving this way of life, as environmental issues create challenges for the community. The Gladesmen are struggling to adapt to the changing landscape, as the water levels in the Everglades are falling due to climate change, and the introduction of invasive species is changing the ecosystem.
The film also explores the tensions between the Gladesmen and the developers who are moving into the region, taking over their land and threatening their way of life. The documentary shows the struggles of the Gladesmen to preserve their culture and keep their way of life intact.
The documentary is beautifully shot, with stunning visuals of the Everglades, as well as historic footage and interviews with experts in the field. The filmmakers have done an excellent job of capturing the spirit and resilience of the Gladesmen, who remain deeply connected to the land and the water.
Overall, Gladesmen: The Last of the Sawgrass Cowboys is a powerful and touching documentary that explores the culture and way of life of a unique group of people who are struggling to survive in a changing world. It is a must-see for anyone interested in the history and future of the Florida Everglades, and the people who call it home.
Gladesmen: The Last of the Sawgrass Cowboys is a 2022 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes.
