The bulls from the Indonesian islands of Sapudi and Madura are celebrities. They are feted, massaged and live like kings on a special diet of honey, herbs, eggs, chillies and beer. A prize bull is valued not merely for its pedigree but for its speed: they are racing animals.

Bull-racing dominates life on the two islands off the coast of eastern Java, and this film in the series of documentaries about unusual cultures follows the fortunes of two young jockeys, 20-year-old champion Ayup and 12-year-old Sahmawi, as they prepare for the annual tournament. Training methods are closely guarded secrets and magicians are called upon to cast good-luck spells on their charges - and, sometimes, bad luck on other animals. Ayup's trainer, Hanan, says: "...if anybody messes with my bulls, I'll cut his throat."

The races are spectacular and dangerous, requiring skill and courage to ride the bulls. But this film, directed by John Bulmer , shows how the races are not just a test of manhood but a statement of identity for both island communities.

A John Bulmer production for BBCtv