Fiddlin'

Fiddlin' is a heartwarming 2018 film that showcases the beauty of American roots music, specifically the deeply ingrained culture of Appalachian bluegrass music. Directed by Julie Simone and produced by Vicki Vlasic, the documentary offers an immersive exploration of the tightly knit cottage industry surrounding fiddle music in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. The stars who vitalize this film include talented artists such as Presley Barker, Wayne C. Henderson, Kitty Amaral, and several others, each telling their own unique music story.

Presley Barker, an exceptionally talented 11-year-old guitarist, is a living testimony of the profound impact of the rich, transformative power of music that runs deep in these mountains. Barker's amazing ability on bluegrass guitar, comparable to professionals much older than him, allows for a very compelling narrative. His story plays a significant role in the film, further emphasizing the vitality of music in this region.

At the center of Fiddlin' is Wayne C. Henderson, a world-renowned luthier and revered figure within the bluegrass community. Henderson is an embodiment of the spirit and lore of these hills: an amiable, modest man with an immense talent that he willingly decorates the lives of those he encounters with. In addition to being a virtuoso finger-picker, his hand-crafted guitars are some of the most highly prized instruments worldwide.

Simultaneously, young Kitty Amaral convincingly proves that bluegrass music remains lively and relevant, even among the upcoming generation. A dynamic fiddler with a mature-beyond-her-years understanding of music, Amaral advances the idea that the genre is in good hands with the younger generation.

The film's narrative skillfully spins around the Old Fiddler's Convention in Galax, Virginia, a long-standing tradition of this community that has been elevating the local music culture since 1935. The convention allows musicians, both young and old, to gather, compete and celebrate their shared love for music. It’s a beautiful hotspot of creativity, community, and shared passions.

What sets Fiddlin' apart from other traditional music documentaries is how the filmmakers have managed to capture the enchanting sense of community and the powerful interconnected legacy binding the characters through music. This is not just about the individual excellence of the musicians featured but the incredible magic which stirs when these musicians collaborate, play, and perpetuate their music traditions.

Simone's artful direction encapsulates the cross-generational exchange of this music, adeptly capturing the essence of a living tradition passed down from the old to the young. Vlasic's production conjures the enchanting aura of the whole setting – Virginia's blue mountains, starlit dance floors, the hand-crafted artistry of the instruments, and the heartfelt passion of these musicians.

While Fiddlin' underscores the value and benefits of this relatable music that tells the American Story, it also exposes the harsh realities faced by many living in these regions – the dual reality of American poverty compared to American wealth. Juxtaposing the struggle with the resilience of the human spirit, the film paints a portrait of a hard-working community who pour their all into preserving their treasured musical heritage.

The joy of Fiddlin' radiates from the filmmakers' apparent admiration and reverence for their subject matter. Through tales of triumph, the movie manages to tap into the universal strength of the human spirit and does so with an infectiously toe-tapping soundtrack. Whether you're a long-time lover of bluegrass or someone new to the genre, Fiddlin' takes you on an emotionally uplifting journey into the depths of Appalachian culture and music.

In essence, Fiddlin' is more than a documentary about music – it's a testament to the vigor of a musical tradition that has endured obstacles to remain an essential part of American cultural heritage. Filled with delightful characters, fascinating stories, and a lot of heart, Fiddlin' is a sincere tribute to the power of music, and its ability to connect, communicate and bring a community together. An inspiring watch, Fiddlin' urges us to reflect on the power of preserving cultural traditions and the sense of identity and unity they contribute to a community. It's a celebration of American roots music, its community, and the shared joy it brings. This is Fiddlin' — a film where music and human spirit intersect in the most harmonious way.