Independent Lens Season 20 Episode 11 Hale County This Morning, This Evening

In Independent Lens season 20 episode 11, viewers are taken on a stunning visual journey through the lives of two young Black men living in rural Hale County, Alabama. Titled "Hale County This Morning, This Evening," the episode follows the daily experiences and dreams of Quincy Bryant and Daniel Collins, who are both striving to create a better life for themselves and their families.

The episode begins by immersing viewers in the serene and often isolated landscape of Hale County. Through a series of breathtaking shots, we see the natural beauty of the area contrasted with the rundown and abandoned structures that dot the landscape. It's clear that it's not an easy place to live, and the poverty and lack of opportunity that permeate the community are palpable.

Despite the challenges they face, Quincy and Daniel are determined to create their own paths and achieve their goals. Quincy, a young father, is working to support his family while also pursuing his dream of becoming a professional basketball player. He spends long hours practicing on the court, hoping for the chance to get noticed by a scout.

Daniel, on the other hand, has a creative spirit and spends much of his time taking photographs and filming the world around him. He's interested in exploring the idea of space and time, and how we experience them differently based on our individual perspectives. Through his art, he offers a unique and intimate glimpse into his world and the people and places around him.

Through a series of vignettes and beautifully shot scenes, viewers are invited to get to know these two young men and the communities they are a part of. We see them playing with their children, spending time with friends, and going about their daily routines. Simultaneously, we're given a sense of the deep history and culture of the region, as well as the ongoing struggles that residents face.

One particularly affecting scene shows Quincy sitting with his grandfather, who talks about the legacy of slavery and segregation in Alabama and how it still affects the community. It's a poignant moment that underscores the larger themes of the episode - the ways in which history and culture play a role in shaping our lives, even as we strive to create something new.

Throughout the episode, viewers are given a sense of the rhythm and flow of life in Hale County. It's a place that moves at its own pace, and the film celebrates both the beauty and the complexity of that reality. By the end of the episode, viewers will feel as though they've been given a personal tour of this unique and often misunderstood corner of America.

"Hale County This Morning, This Evening" is a meditative and insightful exploration of life in rural America. Through the stories of Quincy and Daniel, we're reminded of the resilience of the human spirit and the ways in which we can create beauty and meaning even in the most challenging of circumstances. It's a must-see episode for anyone interested in understanding more about the diversity and richness of American culture.