O Pioneer

This is, by far, one of the best documentaries I have seen in recent years. It is rare for me to see a film which, after watching, I want to immediately watch again. Because of feeling so strongly after seeing 'O PIONEER,' I believe it is a testimony to the power within this incredibly inspiring film, filled with deeply personal stories of people whose experiences are moving. It is a film that is near perfection in its portrayal of the human heart and spirit, and it does so much through the poetry of its masterful storytelling. I should also mention it has amazing cinematography and music. Simply a brilliant movie, made with so much passion for the people and their lives..

I attended this film last evening with friends. We were dismayed about the representation of WV pioneers.

I'm not sure where they got the idea that WV was responsible for the killing of indigenous peoples. It is my understanding that WV was a hunting area and no battles were ever documented. Nor did we rape the state of virgin forest. We cleared for the railroad and mining.

The seamstress from Thomas , although delightful and apparently intelligent was not representative of textile art or pioneering. The quilt maker was a pioneering activity that brought communities together and provided the local news and needs many of our WV quilters have colorful histories. I'm wondering who they consulted with for this film?

Tim is more representative of our pioneer culture. Hard work, perseverance and love of family. His wife is a nurse and his children carry on the family virtues.

Of course I'm not sure who this film was made for but not for those that have present creative, social inspiring pioneers in friends and family.

It's impossible to accurately describe the creative genius of O Pioneer. I felt every emotion while experiencing the film, but none were stronger than the immense joy and pride that it left within. It was an honor to screen it at the Mtn Craft Film Festival in Clarksburg WV and it was a treat to see the audience so engaged that they pushed the Q&A into overtime.

The film beautifully weaves the story of three average (but not so average) Appalachians together using poetry, music, formalistic shots, cinema verité, and gorgeous jaw-dropping animation. This is now a go-to movie pick when friends from outside the state ask me about West Virginia!

I had the pleasure to watch O Pioneer at the Cucalorus Film Festival in Wilmington, NC. And it was an absolute delight! This feature interweaves animation, documentary and history into one beautiful tapestry redefining what it means to be a pioneer today. The film is shot in Virginia and the cinematography (by Jonathan Lacocque) is stunning. Living life in the midst of the Covid pandemic, the film follows the trials and tribulations but also the triumphs of the three main characters - a seamstress, a hospital chaplain, and a blacksmith as they make the best of their situation. Told in an original (beautifully narrated by lyricist and musician Kaïa Kater), tender and intelligent way (masterfully written by Clara Lehman), O Pioneer invites the viewer to go on a journey of rediscovery and reinvention with these extraordinary individuals whose open vulnerability touches our hearts and souls. Highly recommended.