Independent Lens Season 15 Episode 14 Medora

In season 15 episode 14 of Independent Lens, viewers are taken on a journey to the small town of Medora, Indiana. This documentary follows the story of a high school basketball team that has been struggling to win a single game for several years. The team itself is made up of mostly low-income, working-class students who come from backgrounds where poverty and addiction are commonplace.

The film provides insight into the lives of these young men and the challenges they face on the basketball court, at home, and in their personal lives. One of the players, Rusty Rogers, struggles with the loss of his mother and the pressure to fill the shoes of his basketball-star father who passed away years earlier. Another player, Zach Fish, experiences turmoil at home, with his mother trying to raise him and his siblings while his father is in prison.

Despite the generational poverty and difficult circumstances that these young men face, they are determined to work hard and try their best. Their coach, Justin Gilbert, pushes them to be better players and better people, providing a positive influence in their lives. However, as the basketball season progresses, the losses pile up and the team’s morale begins to falter.

The film also delves into the larger issues facing the town of Medora. The closing down of the local factory, the decline of the farming industry, and the prevalence of opioid addiction all contribute to the town’s decline. Young people are leaving town in search of better opportunities, and those who remain struggle to make ends meet.

Despite the harsh realities of life in Medora, the documentary also showcases the town’s resilience and heart. The community rallies around the basketball team, coming together for games and supporting the players in their endeavors. The players themselves form a tight bond and support each other throughout the ups and downs of the season.

Overall, Medora is a poignant and powerful film that offers a glimpse into the realities facing working-class Americans. The struggles of poverty, addiction, and loss are all too real for many individuals and families across the country, and this documentary sheds light on the challenges faced by those living in small towns like Medora. At the same time, the film offers hope and inspiration, showing that with hard work, determination, and the support of others, individuals can overcome even the toughest obstacles.