Fiddlin'

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.

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' 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!

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.

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.