Fiddlin'

It is very interesting and great. The sound, the scenes and everything in there are of very good quality. It's really fantastic I must commend.

Fiddlin' was like taking a step back to a simpler more innocent time. All the generations were jamming together. The music was outrageous with these talented musicians who were all playing by ear. I fell in love with the talent and can't wait to take my kids to see this film. It is a rarity to see a movie that is appropriate for all ages and Fiddlin' is that film!

A joyful, multi-textured time-machine journey, full of engaging old-timers and astonishing young virtuosos who live in (and thus keep alive) the fast finger, flatfooting community of old-time and bluegrass musicians. Beautifully shot and cleverly edited it's a joyful postcard of Americana created by a warmhearted team of women filmmakers. What a hug!

Fiddlin' (2018) was co-written and directed by Julie Simone. The movie is a documentary about the Old Fiddler's Convention in Galax, Virginia.

Old Time music is different from Bluegrass music. Fiddles, banjos, and guitars are the traditional instruments. Drums and steel guitars aren't played. (The mandolin appears in both Old Time and Bluegrass.) The movie's title is misleading, because other Old Time instruments are featured as much as the fiddle. (The name of the convention is misleading in that sense as well.)

The film presents what the viewer would hear and see if he walked through the crowd at the convention. Added to this are many interviews with musicians--young and old, female and male.

I enjoyed this movie, but I thought it was a little longer than it needed to be. Director Simone had all these great interviews with dedicated musicians, and she just couldn't bear to leave some of them out.

The music in the film is wonderful. The musicians are talented, and it's great to see a generation of teenagers who are carrying on the Old Time music tradition.

If you're interested in Old Time music, this is a must-see film. If not, it's still worth seeking out to learn about a world that most of us don't inhabit.

We saw this movie at Rochester's wonderful Little Theatre, as part of the High Falls Women's Film Festival. (There are many younger women musicians, but I assume the film was chosen because the director was a woman.) The movie will work well on the small screen.

Fiddlin' is a beautifully done tribute to the musical heritage of America and, more specifically, my hometown. It's authentic and paints an accurate picture of life in that neck of the woods. Proud to see friends and acquaintances featured in such a meaningful way, and to see them making a difference in the lives of the young people who are learning and keeping the oldtime and bluegrass music tradition alive. The talent showcased here is amazing!

I moved away years ago, but this film brings it all back.Thanks to Julie and Vicki - and everyone else involved!