POV Season 35 Episode 2 On the Divide

On the Divide is the second episode of the 35th season of POV, a documentary series that showcases independent nonfiction films. This episode follows the story of a group of people living in Montana, specifically along the Rocky Mountain Front.

The film starts by introducing the Rocky Mountain Front, a stretch of land in Montana that is a microcosm of the issues faced by rural America. The region is facing various challenges, including housing scarcity, job loss, and the difficulties of being a farmer in an increasingly unpredictable climate.

The focus then shifts to the main subjects of the documentary: Sarah and David, a farm-owning couple who are navigating the difficulties of running a sustainable farm in unpredictable weather patterns. Sarah and David have been farming for over a decade and are determined to overcome the adversities they face.

Throughout the episode, the film explores the couple's attempts to make their farm sustainable. This includes the use of conservation-minded practices like rotating crops, working with livestock, and avoiding chemicals. We see their work in action, which includes fixing their irrigation system and readying their crops for the upcoming harvest.

As the film progresses, we are introduced to a few other members of the community. This includes Sarah's mother, who moved to Montana on a whim and has made a life for herself through community involvement. We also meet a young farmer who recently moved to the area and is just starting out, highlighting the difficulties of new farmers in the region.

One of the most interesting aspects of the film is how it explores the tensions within the rural community. Montana has often been romanticized as a place of rugged individualism, where people take care of themselves and pull themselves up by their bootstraps. However, the reality is more complex. Several interviewees in the film discuss how the community is incredibly supportive, but also somewhat insular.

Another theme throughout the documentary is the looming threat of climate change. This is something that deeply concerns Sarah and David, who witnessed firsthand how unpredictable weather patterns can affect their crops. They are worried about the damage that could be done to the land if Montana continues to warm up at its current rate.

Towards the end of the film, we see the community coming together to celebrate the harvest. It's a moment of joy and community spirit, highlighting the positives of living in a tight-knit rural community. However, there is also the sense that the challenges facing the community will continue, and that the risks of climate change will only increase.

Overall, On the Divide is a thoughtful and engaging documentary that provides a nuanced look at life in rural Montana. It balances the joys and hardships of farming, while also acknowledging the challenges that face those living off the land. It's a timely reminder that the issues faced by rural America are complex and multifaceted, and that there are no easy solutions.