Fiddlin' (2018) User Reviews

Old Time music in Ajax, Virginia

[Red-125 · 9/10 · 9 December 2018]

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.

Makes me proud!

[brdwybear-53103 · 9/10 · 23 September 2019]

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!

Heart Warming and Pure

[koleenc · 9/10 · 17 October 2019]

What an enjoyable film to learn of an American culture that is so important to so many people. From the stories, to the music and gorgeous scenery the film will not disappoint. Learning of the history of a musical culture and its modern day challenges faced by this small town that does such big things to maintain its strong traditions with minimal resources is not only heart warming and eye opening but super educational. SO glad I took the time to see this amazing piece of work by 2 sisters new to movie making...it's Oscar worthy!

I just added Galax, Virginia to my bucket list

[omnisteve · 10/10 · 13 April 2019]

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!

Tapping your toes and opening your heart!

[brettbusy · 10/10 · 22 August 2019]

You don't have to be a bluegrass fan to fall in love with this wonderful story - but you'll be a fan by the end!!

For a newcomer to the fiddling world, I was captivated by the talented performers and the personal stories told in this film. The movie is so much more than a music festival documentary: it's a heartfelt account of the people in the community and what their music brings to their lives.

As an added bonus to the amazing music, the cinematography shows the beautiful landscape of the Virginia setting.

Fiddlin: I am a fan

[Sully-Osully · 10/10 · 3 February 2019]

First it is important to understand I am not a big movie person.....and further I don't watch a lot of documentaries. So I am far from an authority. But I know what I like. I loved this movie. My college roommate married a gal from Galax. She was always so nice and a great person. She always spoke so fondly of Galax I thought I would give this movie a run. I have now watched it 3 times. I like the history, the young musical artist and how the movie made me feel the pride in the craftsmanship of Wayne Henderson. This doc is full of talent.

After my movie experience I am likely to head to Galax, buy an expensive guitar that I can't play, shuffle my feet at that festival..... thank you for sharing. What a great movie.

Wonderful step into a beautiful side of life!

[griffin7 · 10/10 · 6 September 2019]

Just attended a screening, in Los Angeles, of this beautifully made documentary and literally found myself smiling through the whole film.

It's a beautiful peek into the world of "Old Time music". The people, the music, the dancing ("Flat Footing"), the stories, the history, and the beautiful landscapes in the hills of Virginia will leave a lasting smile in your heart.

A family friendly, uplifting treat of a film!

[sallygrady-17133 · 10/10 · 2 August 2019]

Fiddlin' was created by sister filmmakers from the Appalachian mountains. Director-Writer, Julie Simone and Producer-Writer, Vicki Vlasic, went back to their roots to capture the culture, history and talent that has dwelled in these mountains for a couple hundred years. It probably helped that they were once locals because the interviews are genuine and dig deep into the hearts of their subjects. You can't help but appreciate the beautiful cinematography, but it is the raw and prodigious talent of the subjects that keeps you sitting on the edge of your seat and moving in time with the music.

As I looked around at the festival screening I attended in Charlottesville, VA, I was surrounded by smiling faces and was amazed at how engaged the whole theater was. There was laughter, applause, toe-tapping and a few tears as well.

Young guitar prodigy and little heartbreaker, Presley Barker, will make your jaw drop and have you wishing you had stuck with music lessons as a kid. His mentor and world class luthier (a custom, hand made instrument builder), Wayne Henderson, shares his talents with not only Presley but many of the young kids in the region. As the film is set during the Galax Fiddler's Convention, you'll see Wayne and Presley wind up competing for top prize in the guitar competition. The film also paid tribute to some of the historical greats whose contributions have kept the Old Time and Bluegrass music genres alive. The Father of Bluegrass, Bill Monroe and multi-Grammy winning singer-songwriter, Doc Watson, both appear in archival footage and add to the historical elements.

Seeing so many young kids holding instruments and hanging out with the old folks left me wishing for that simplicity for my own children and had me picking up my old guitar once again. This is a film I could watch again and again and one I will share with friends and family for years to come..

Old Time Music - Old Time Charm

[vguthrie10 · 10/10 · 20 September 2019]

I loved this look into Appalachian/ Fiddlin' life. This is an inspirational story and reminder of the beauty of a simple life...enjoying what you do, those you live amongst and learn from and the beauty of passing down knowledge. It was very refreshing to see people not driven by money or fame and just being happy with their passion. And equally satisfying to see the respect and humbleness that existed between the youth and their elders for one another. Not to mention some stellar fiddling performances.

Loved this film!! Favorite documentary ever!!

[nikkiflynn · 10/10 · 26 July 2019]

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!

An amazing documentary about some amazing young musicians!

[DetroitAMA · 10/10 · 17 October 2019]

When you see Ivy Phillips sawing away on the fiddle, or Presley Barker flatpicking on an acoustic guitar, you cannot help but be moved. It moved me to wish that I had children like this. They are passionate about what they do, yet in no way are cocky or arrogant. The documentary shows people (both young and old) who live for this roots music, and how it has affected their lives mentally, physically, and spiritually. You will be tapping your feet throughout, and by the time that the credits roll, you will be heading out to go buy a CD of this music or perhaps a guitar to start playing it. The editing and production are top-notch - you are watching a film that will move you in the same way a Ken Burns film moves a person. Even if you are not into old-time fiddle music (although you probably will be after watching), you will feel for the people within the film that have used this music to get them through hard times in life.

FANTASTIC!

[cyberherotech · 10/10 · 15 November 2019]

Fantastic film brimming with humility, authenticity and what we hope for in humanity. I laughed, cried, and ran to buy a guitar after watching this utterly joyful documentary.

Very inspiring and great

[olasenikehindeprecious · 10/10 · 5 December 2019]

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.

What a Moving Portrayal of a Living Piece of American History!

[kirty-90586 · 10/10 · 17 October 2019]

Have you ever wished that you could claim the heritage of descending from the founding fathers of America? I left FIDDLIN' wishing I was one of the close-knit Semones family, whose daughters grew up in the area and attended the Fiddlers Convention in Galax, Virginia every summer. I wish I could share their sense of heritage which I sensed watching this glimpse of living history. The Semones sisters have truly invested their hearts in this film, as evident in the dignified portrayal of these beautiful people and their uniquely musical heritage. There were no professional actors, nevertheless the production and post-production staff created a well-done documentary that not only kept my interest, but also ignited my imagination and compassion for the hardships that go with living in an economically depressed area. My heart was captured by the humble, plain-spoken folks I met through their interviews. And the entertainment was truly extraordinary! I caught myself trying to figure out the footwork of swift flat-footing dancers, and the talent of even the youngest fiddler was jaw-dropping. I loved how some of the youth walked around introducing themselves and joining in friendly jam sessions with strangers. They have a quiet confidence rarely seen in kids these days. I was moved to tears to hear one musician talk of her discovery of her musical talent, which miraculous pulled her out of a manic-depressive life of darkness into a life of joy and new friendships with other musicians. The Fiddlers' culture and Galax lifestyle reflects a simplicity that eludes most Americans today. I drove wistfully away from the lovely Reeves Theatre & Cafe in Elkin NC, less than two hours' drive from my home. I felt that I had gone back in time. I look forward in time to my opportunity to attend in person the Galax Fiddlers Convention next summer, come hell or high water. Thank you to Vicki and Julie Semones for your very important contribution to American history. I do hope you plan to release this documentary publicly for purchase so that we can help you share this little bit of happiness even further abroad across America and beyond.

amazing talent

[glennauve · 9/10 · 27 November 2020]

Just watched this on CuriosityStream. The amount of talent on display in this film is mind-blowing, particularly all of the young people. The film covers a lot of ground over 90 minutes and I'm sure there were hours and hours more they could have shared. It's inspiring to see the music being handed down. If you are a fan of music at all you will love it.

Special treat for Country Music Lovers

[bestselophead · 10/10 · 8 August 2022]

If you like country music, bluegrass, or old-time music you are in for a special treat. Both the young and older musicians in "Fiddlin'" are mega talents. Elders have been passing the music down to the youngsters for generations. No formal training here, just a love for pickin' and fiddlin', and some rising stars in the making. With jam sessions, great flat-foot dancing, and respect shown between all, this slice of true Americana in the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia is a film for the whole family.

The story of home made music. Love the story of Wayne making a renown guitarist wait for a hand crafted guitar!!

[mehobulls · 9/10 · 25 November 2020]

Fiddlin' follows a tradition of a seemly lost musical genre of old time and bluegrass music through the 80th Old Fiddler's Convention in Galax, Virginia. One finds that the music and the players are alive and well and creating great positive energy through this annual music reunion! The young musicians are amazing and talented beyond their years and it's wonderful to see them embracing this historical music! Worth watching!

Love this feel good film!

[hartvig · 10/10 · 19 May 2021]

Although Swedish and from a different culture my mother and I absolutely loved this movie and all the colorful characters. Inspiring for humankind.