London, UK — September 8, 2026: The team behind the award-winning documentary World Without Cows, in association with Studio 410, has released the film’s official trailer and announced a global theatrical screening tour for the autumn.
The tour will begin with premiere events in Dublin on September 9, London on September 10, Los Angeles on September 16 and New York on September 18. Directors Michelle Michael and Brandon Whitworth, along with executive producer Dr. Mark Lyons, are scheduled to attend the events.
The documentary examines the role of cows in some of the major issues shaping the future of food, including how to feed a growing population, protect the environment and address nutritional needs in communities worldwide.
Set against the challenges of climate change, food insecurity and increasing demand for protein, World Without Cows looks at the often complicated relationship between cattle, climate, health and food production. The filmmakers travelled across 22 countries and five continents, examining the connections between food systems, sustainability, biodiversity and the people whose livelihoods depend on them.
Five Years of Filming Across 40 Locations
Award-winning journalists Michelle Michael and Brandon Whitworth spent five years making the documentary, filming in more than 40 locations and speaking with farmers, ranchers, scientists and environmental experts.
Their investigation, the filmmakers say, revealed a subject that cannot easily be reduced to opposing viewpoints.
“The journey showed us that there is no single simple solution to the world’s greatest challenges,” said Michelle Michael. “I don’t think the world wants simple answers. It wants a better understanding of how our global food systems work, and that need has never been more urgent than it is right now.”
Brandon Whitworth said the documentary was intended to encourage discussion rather than reinforce existing positions.
“Our hope is that World Without Cows creates a new baseline for how people engage in hard conversations,” said Whitworth. “The film wasn’t made to be an echo chamber. It was made to bring people together to ask difficult questions about complex issues and be open to different perspectives.”
Executive producer Mark Lyons added that the film aims to present a broader view of the debate surrounding cattle and climate.
“Cows have become a symbol in the climate conversation, but the reality is far more complex. By exploring this issue from many angles and in such diverse geographies, the filmmakers give us a much more insightful and hopeful outlook than we might have expected,” said Lyons.
Theatrical Tour to Expand in October
Following the four premiere events, the film’s theatrical campaign will expand into selected cities across North America beginning in October. The tour will include a large-scale journey through America’s heartland, while international screenings are planned across South America, Europe, Africa and Asia.
The international programme will also bring World Without Cows back to several of the locations where the documentary was filmed.
Many of the screenings will be accompanied by panel discussions featuring farmers and ranchers, scientists, students, educators, environmental voices, food and agriculture communities and moviegoers. The format is designed to create opportunities for audiences to watch the documentary and discuss its subject matter together.
Through a partnership with Gathr, communities will also be able to request screenings and bring the documentary to their local cinemas. The film is available in more than 25 languages, allowing the screening tour to reach audiences in different regions.
Additional tour cities, international screening events, participating panelists and special screenings are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
World Without Cows Credits
World Without Cows is directed by Michelle Michael and Brandon Whitworth and written by Michael, Whitworth and Josh Tickell. Mark Lyons serves as executive producer.
The film is produced in association with Studio 410 by Michelle Michael, Brandon Whitworth, Susanna Elliott, Alan Henthorne and Josh Tickell. Talain Blanchon serves as editor, with music composed by Nathan Horst.
The documentary’s official website is worldwithoutcows.com.