CSA Newsletter - Sept. 12, 2020 - Week 14

 

Say, isn't that Frances McDormand? What's she doing in our CSA Newsletter?

Yes, that is the Oscar winner from the film, Fargo (1996 Academy Award for Best Actress). Ms. McDormand has garnered numerous awards over her illustrious career, including a second Oscar for  Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017 Academy Award for Best Actress), as well as a Golden Globe and a Screen Actors Guild Award for that same role.

So what is Frances McDormand doing in our newsletter? Well the above picture is a "still" from Ms McDormand's latest film, Nomadland, which premieres this Friday, Sept. 11, concurrently at the Venice, New York, Toronto and Telluride Film Festivals. The Telluride Film Festival (TFF), based in Telluride, Colorado, has cancelled its in-person "celebration of film" in favor of collaborating with the other film top festivals to highlight and support some of this unique season's most deserving films.

Thus, Nomadland, one of the more "buzz-creating" films in the festival screenings, is being shown by all four major film festivals, although TFF has opted to show Nomadland in a drive-in premiere at the Rose Bowl, Pasadena CA. So what's all the buzz about? Here is a brief synopsis: Following the economic collapse of a company town in rural Nevada, Fern (Frances McDormand), a woman in her sixties, packs her van and embarks on a journey through the American West, on the road exploring a life outside of conventional society as a modern-day nomad. Based on the book by Jessica Bruder.

And here is the "teaser/trailer": 

And the King brother, Edwin, with his partner Emily, are on the road right now, headed to that very premiere. If you shop regularly at our market stall, you have probably seen Edwin, the tall quiet young man filling the baskets with beans and zucchini. If you have picked up your share at our market stall, it has probably been cheerfully handed to you by Emily. Well Emily has a day job in the film industry, and was a co-producer on the film, Nomadland. She also has a small role in the film, playing the part of “Emily". Her responsibilities as co-producer included making sure paperwork was in order, location scouting, casting, housing, and coordinating many, many moving parts. 

On set with director Chloe Zhao, a cameraman, and Frances McDormand

The film turned out to be a "farmily" affair, as Angie Martin (former Frog Holler intern and long-time Holler Fest chef) and Nick Raterman (Holler Fest chef) catered the film and brought Frog Holler veggies across the country to feed hungry cast and crew. They cooked on the road, converting a rental van into a mobile kitchen.

Nick slinging some hash in the modern-day chuck wagon. 

And Edwin King flew out three times to help with scouting, casting, and driving long distances across state lines.

Edwin scouting locations

And Freya, the big white farmpup, gets to go along on this adventure!

Freya ready to sniff out her own locations in the wild wild west

Nomadland was filmed in the fall of 2018 and winter of 2019. At that time, the Covid-19 pandemic or the devastating California wildfires were not on the horizon. Yet, Nomadland's tale of human resilience in the face of loss, and the healing power of community, could make a vital statement as we look to a future unknown, but most certainly different from what we are accustomed to.

Release date is scheduled for December 4, 2020, although the platform is still TBA. We will most likely send out a short reminder so you will know where to look for it. And we look for Edwin and Emily - and Freya! - to be back at the farm and at our market stall next week after a big adventure.

About the Nomadland's director, Chloe Zhao, these TFF directors say:

“Chloe’s understanding and depiction of the layered beauty of the human experience achieves new heights in Nomadland,” said Telluride Film Festival executive director Julie Huntsinger in a statement. “[Telluride cofounder] Tom Luddy and I believe in her vision and are grateful to unite with our colleagues in Toronto, Venice, and New York to highlight this sensitive and stunning achievement.”

and from the director, Chloe Zhao:

“The American road fascinates me,” Zhao said in a statement. “It’s heartbreakingly beautiful and deeply complicated. I’ve traveled it for many years and always hoped to capture a glimpse of it. I’m thankful to be able to make Nomadland and excited for audiences to join Fern on her adventure.”

And we're glad that Frog Holler could contribute to this creative project. Have a great week and see you at the movies!