The word “pioneer” often evokes images of rugged individuals conquering frontiers, a concept deeply embedded in the American psyche, particularly within the Appalachian region. Historically, pioneers are romanticized as self-sufficient mountaineers, masters of survival in untamed lands. However, this traditional view often overshadows the complex realities of colonization, including the displacement of Indigenous populations and the environmental impact of unchecked resource extraction.
A new documentary, “O, Pioneer!”, by filmmakers Clare Lehmann and Jonathan Lacocque, challenges this conventional understanding. Through the stories of three individuals navigating contemporary life, particularly during the unprecedented times of the pandemic, the film offers a nuanced and redefined perspective on what it truly means to be a pioneer today. Laura Harbert Allen spoke with Lehmann and Lacocque to delve into the heart of their film, which garnered the Audience Award for Feature Documentary at the Cinequest Film Festival and is set to make its Appalachian debut at the Mtn Craft Film Festival.
Redefining “Pioneer”: A Modern Reckoning
Clara Lehmann explains that the impetus for “O, Pioneer!” stemmed from a critical reflection on the traditional notion of the pioneer. She notes, “I think that what happened over the last five to 10 years is this really interesting reckoning that we’re all having as a country and as individuals.” This reckoning, amplified by events like the pandemic and growing awareness of societal inequalities, prompted a re-evaluation of historical narratives. Lehmann, who grew up in Appalachia, specifically in West Virginia, confessed to once being “enamored by the ‘pioneer’,” viewing them as “flawless or faultless.” However, she came to realize the necessity of confronting the less romanticized aspects of this history.
This re-evaluation was partly inspired by Walt Whitman’s poem “Pioneers! O Pioneers!”, a piece often recited by Lehmann’s grandmother. While initially drawn to its romanticism, a deeper analysis revealed the poem’s complex themes, including political undertones and “extraction themes.” This led to the central concept of the film: to explore contemporary pioneers in West Virginia who embody a “more elegant and more fair way” of navigating the world, contrasting with the potentially exploitative aspects of historical pioneering.
Jonathan Lacocque adds to this perspective, acknowledging the traditionally positive connotations of the word “pioneer.” He clarifies that the film’s intention is not to diminish this positivity but to enrich it with “more nuance.” This involves examining the “groundbreakers,” “inventors,” and “one percenters” who contribute significantly to humanity, but through a lens that acknowledges the complexities and potential consequences of their actions.
Lacocque emphasizes the crucial balance between “being adventurous and being courageous.” He suggests that true courage in the modern context often involves “listening, to wait, to consider your surroundings and the factors involved with what you might be doing in relation to the people and the places you are exploring.” This thoughtful and considerate approach forms the core of the redefined pioneer spirit that “O, Pioneer!” seeks to capture.
Portraits of Modern Pioneers: James, Nelly, and Tim
“O, Pioneer!” introduces audiences to three compelling individuals, each embodying the redefined pioneer spirit in their own unique way. James, a gay man and hospital chaplain from north central West Virginia, offers a profound insight into pioneering through empathy and inclusivity. Lehmann describes James as “one of the most kind and empathetic people you’ll run into,” highlighting his exceptional ability to listen and connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds, both religious and secular.
Alt text: James, a compassionate hospital chaplain and subject in the “O Pioneer” documentary, embodies modern pioneering spirit through empathy and inclusivity.
Lehmann emphasizes how James breaks down barriers “without destroying and being destructive to the cultures or people that are already in place somewhere.” As a gay man, James has personally confronted barriers within the religious world, yet he remains deeply connected to his Christian faith. The film portrays his journey of “reckoning with it through the pandemic and through hardship,” ultimately returning to his calling and becoming “a great example of that spirit of the pioneer.”
Nelly, a textile artist and seamstress based in Thomas, West Virginia, represents the pioneer spirit through her creative resilience and community-minded actions. Lacocque points to the “visual quality to a lot of what she does” as a key element that resonated with the film’s visual storytelling. More importantly, Nelly embodies a thoughtful approach to her craft and life, characterized by “looking at the past with respect and trying to live presently with care.”
Alt text: Nelly, a resourceful seamstress and dye artist featured in “O Pioneer,” showcases modern pioneering through creative problem-solving and community contribution.
A striking example of Nelly’s pioneer spirit is her response to the pandemic. She closed her shop and, with remarkable courage, dedicated her skills to making masks for healthcare workers. This act of selfless service exemplifies the modern pioneer’s commitment to community well-being.
Tim, a blacksmith, provides another facet of the pioneer archetype, connecting to traditional crafts while innovating in a contemporary context. Lacocque notes the inherent link between blacksmithing and “pioneering times.” Tim’s upbringing, attending artisan fairs and witnessing creators build “something from nothing,” instilled in him a deep appreciation for traditional skills and self-sufficiency.
Alt text: Tim, a skilled blacksmith in “O Pioneer,” represents modern pioneering by blending traditional craftsmanship with sustainable practices and community engagement.
Lehmann elaborates on Tim’s connection to traditional pioneer values, noting his embrace of “old traditional ways of doing arts and crafts” in his life and art. He embodies qualities reminiscent of Walt Whitman’s pioneer ideal, yet crucially, “without being extractionist.” Tim’s commitment to recycling materials for his craft and fostering a community art space in Buckhannon highlights a modern pioneer ethos focused on sustainability and community contribution. Furthermore, Tim’s role as a homeschooling father in a partnership with his wife challenges traditional gender roles, showcasing pioneering in personal and familial spheres.
The Pandemic as a Pioneer Moment
The backdrop of the pandemic is integral to “O, Pioneer!”, serving as a catalyst for reflection and a stark reminder of our collective capacity for pioneering. Lehmann articulates the film’s central question: “We want to ask that question to everybody, and our hope is that everybody sees if not that they are pioneers that there is the potential to be one again even in the smallest of moments.”
The pandemic, with its unprecedented challenges and disruptions, forced individuals and communities to adapt, innovate, and find new ways to navigate daily life. This shared experience underscores the film’s message that the pioneer spirit is not confined to historical figures or extraordinary individuals but resides within us all, waiting to be activated. “O, Pioneer!” encourages viewers to recognize and cultivate their “natural ability to be a pioneer,” emphasizing the importance of “listening and care and empathy” in this process.
Appalachian Identity: Beyond Stereotypes
“O, Pioneer!” also subtly addresses the often misrepresented and stereotyped image of Appalachians in the media. Lehmann, reflecting on her own experiences as a West Virginian, speaks to the frustration of encountering “ugly comments” and “immediate disregard for an identity.” She notes the common stereotypes and the damaging effect of portraying an entire community in a single, often negative, light.
The film deliberately counters these stereotypes by presenting nuanced portraits of West Virginians who are thoughtful, creative, and actively contributing to their communities. Lehmann hopes “O, Pioneer!” will offer “light and give us something we’re proud of,” emphasizing that “every single state, every single country has multiple layers to it.” By showcasing James, Nelly, and Tim, the film celebrates the diverse and resilient spirit of Appalachia, moving beyond simplistic narratives and fostering a more authentic and appreciative understanding.
Ultimately, “O, Pioneer!” is an invitation to reconsider what it means to be a pioneer in the 21st century. It moves beyond the traditional, often problematic, archetype and presents a modern vision rooted in empathy, community, sustainability, and resilience. Through the compelling stories of its subjects, the film encourages viewers to recognize their own potential for pioneering, not in conquering new lands, but in navigating the complexities of the present with courage, compassion, and a deep sense of responsibility towards each other and the world around us.
