my goodness this is so good. so raw and charming. feels rare to get something as honest and unfiltered as this that still manages to hold your attention. i see some people bashing it for not having the typical documentary tropes like voiceovers or talking heads but honestly that's probably my favorite part about it.

The most interesting things in film right now are happening in indie documentaries and this movie is a great example.

This is an important film. Also fuck that Harvard lady.

firstly, this deserves way more Letterboxd Love.

secondly, the quality of indie documentaries in recent years is so impressive.

 thirdly, American football is a st00pid sport.

finally, and i cannot stress this enough, the American high school experience is WHACK.

A charming little pseudo-documentary that takes place over a school year at a high school in Pahokee, Florida. Although there is no overarching narrative or “main characters,” the film focuses most on four seniors, and the struggles each go through in their respective lives. It feels very down to earth and genuine, and it’ll have you rooting for the success of every student in the school by the end.

During the graduation ceremony, I almost instinctively clapped after the speech along with the crowd in the film. I was that absorbed. That’s impressive.

when a film is just warm and tender and looks beautiful and you don’t really have any jokes for this space

My favorite so far. Through seemingly just typical high schoolers doing typical high school things. But that’s the point. Humanizing one of the poorest cities in Florida without going into poverty porn. I loved it.

SUNDANCE 2019 #9

Charming

This reminded me so much (perhaps too much) of where/how I grew up.
It's a very great documentary.

I missed it at CINEMA UNBOUND last year because it was cancelled halfway through due to covid. I'm glad it's on Kanopy!

gledljivo ali veoma veoma dosadno

beautifully restrained film making

but digesting the world (on a good day) that these kids are stepping into is maddening

if there’s something american that’s worth saving, its character like that on display here. also, fuck that bitch from harvard

firstly, this deserves way more Letterboxd Love.

secondly, the quality of indie documentaries in recent years is so impressive.

 thirdly, American football is a st00pid sport.

finally, and i cannot stress this enough, the American high school experience is WHACK.

People, people.

was ugly crying on the treadmill after this 1 and not even caring if the cute ginger boy doing pull-ups heard me. these are the secret lives of the american teenager that they need to be airing on abc family

Lighting crashes tender closeness

This reminded me so much (perhaps too much) of where/how I grew up.
It's a very great documentary.

I missed it at CINEMA UNBOUND last year because it was cancelled halfway through due to covid. I'm glad it's on Kanopy!

Wow......... I hope all the people in this doc are doing well now! Also... do u ever get sad that u can only live one life? I will never get to have a high school experience like that

pahokee deserved to make such a bigger splash after sundance 2019. gorgeous. became one of my favorite docs of all time.

A raw, yet feel good documentary.

Easter egg hunt massacre yeesh

Film #699 of the 13% challenge
Director Ivete Lucas

Pahokee tells the story of a small South FL town, narrowing in on 4 high school seniors' journeys as they prepare for the next phase of their lives. These kids aren't delinquents; in fact, quite the opposite. They have dreams & work ethic, they love their families, they're grateful, & they're not asking for help, handouts, or special treatment, despite their innate truth: they'll have to work harder just to catch up before the race even begins, & they'll have to be better just to keep up.

This humble, hands-off documentary doesn't work any angles or manipulate its subjects OR audience, yet inarguably captures the phenomenon of inequality at the starting line. I think the runtime could've spared 15-20min, but at the same time, I imagine the filmmakers were mesmerized by their subjects, & dedicated to giving 'forgotten America' ample time in the spotlight.

⭐⭐⭐⭐