It's possible that the way my assignments fell out this year was just a matter of luck, but my experience at Sundance was more focused on documentaries than usual. Some of the standout films included Chris Smith’s “Devo” and the new version of Ondi Timoner’s “Dig!” However, my favorite non-fiction film from Sundance this year was a departure from the traditional, offering a beautifully shot portrayal of a culture and lifestyle that is slowly disappearing on the fringes of society. Directed by Gregory Kershaw and Michael Dweck, “Gaucho Gaucho” is a verité slice of life that could easily be mistaken for a narrative piece of work if stumbled upon on cable. The film, shot by the directors themselves, is the most visually striking film I saw at Sundance this year, serving as a reminder that documentaries can have cinematography that rivals their narrative counterparts, and that film will always be a visual medium, even when telling a true story. Kershaw and Dweck traveled to Argentina for their latest film, capturing the lives of people who live far off the grid, dressed like cowboys and living off the land. Their window into this world is largely observational, without on-screen stats or talking heads, but narratives and themes start to emerge organically through the filmmaking. We witness a young woman being told she has to wear a uniform at school instead of the clothes of her culture, and we are regularly introduced to an 83-year-old gentleman named Lelo, including a scene in which he essentially asked to be “measured” to see if he’s still young enough to provide any value. There’s a masterful shot of this cowboy riding the land that feels like it could be a stand-out in any Western about a hero going on one of his last rides.
Kershaw and Dweck skillfully utilize music to enhance the immersive experience of the film, allowing their subjects to express themselves without imposing a forced commentary. They also avoid emphasizing the outsider perspective, balancing the elderly with a young boy eager to learn about his culture and a teenage girl challenging gender norms. In cultures like this, traditions evolve rather than end. "Gaucho Gaucho" elevates this tradition into high art by providing a strong visual language, although it was already considered as such by the people who live it. Similarly, "Union" by Brett Story and Stephen Maing focuses on observing events without adding excessive commentary, serving as a reminder of the power and challenges of unions in the country. While it may be frustratingly narrow in scope, it still offers valuable insights into the internal struggles of such organizations.
"The film 'Skywalkers: A Love Story' presents visually stunning and groundbreaking visuals, yet the storyline comes across as contrived and potentially hazardous. The casual mention of the risks involved in the activities depicted in the film, along with the influencers' irresponsible behavior, raises ethical concerns. Despite attempts to overlook these issues, the hyper-stylized and scripted nature of 'Skywalkers' gives it a commercial-like quality, resembling an advertisement for reckless behavior."
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