PRESS
REVIEWS
“These enticing tidbits of folk art and music should prompt trips down internet rabbit holes to research bobbin lace–making or wooden-boat restoration, and viewers’ streaming playlists could expand to include bluegrass, mariachi, and zydeco.”
“Govenar makes his case for the NEA by asking the simple question: What do we value? In his expansive view of American culture, that includes preserving native languages, recognizing the profundity of the blues, and honoring where we came from and what we’ve made in equal measure.”
“Govenar makes his case for the NEA by asking the simple question: What do we value? In his expansive view of American culture, that includes preserving native languages, recognizing the profundity of the blues, and honoring where we came from and what we’ve made in equal measure.”
“A must-see documentary into the history and honorees of the National Heritage Fellowship by the National Endowment for the Arts...”
“I had the opportunity to preview this ‘extraordinary’ documentary where I found myself mesmerized by the stories of the individuals featured in the film on their passion, how their art contributed to shaping the fabric of America, and how the National Heritage Fellowship affected their lives.”
“I was so touched by this film, that I found myself in tears by the end and wanting to hear more of their stories.”
“I had the opportunity to preview this ‘extraordinary’ documentary where I found myself mesmerized by the stories of the individuals featured in the film on their passion, how their art contributed to shaping the fabric of America, and how the National Heritage Fellowship affected their lives.”
“I was so touched by this film, that I found myself in tears by the end and wanting to hear more of their stories.”
“A dazzling array of talent”
“It's also a reminder, in an increasingly arts-hostile time, that government programs don't only support esoteric and controversial works: If there's not something (likely many somethings) you enjoy represented on the long roster of honorees, you may just not like life.”
“It's also a reminder, in an increasingly arts-hostile time, that government programs don't only support esoteric and controversial works: If there's not something (likely many somethings) you enjoy represented on the long roster of honorees, you may just not like life.”
“Extraordinary Ordinary People includes footage of some of the most significant artists of the past century, from bluegrass pioneer Bill Monroe to bluesman B.B. King.”
“With budgets for the arts in peril, it couldn't come at a more opportune time. A sampling of National Heritage Fellowship winners, the documentary proves that with the proper support, artists of all types can flourish.”
“With budgets for the arts in peril, it couldn't come at a more opportune time. A sampling of National Heritage Fellowship winners, the documentary proves that with the proper support, artists of all types can flourish.”
“Extraordinary Ordinary People offers inspiring sampling of folk artists”
“The latest film by documentarian Alan Govenar centers on the National Heritage Fellowship, awarded annually by the National Endowment for the Arts since 1982. Keeping folk traditions alive, the American citizens and permanent residents who have been selected for the honor collectively present a vision of sweeping cultural breadth — one that restores the luster to such overused words as ‘diversity.’”
“Many viewers will be more than eager to follow these folk heroes off the beaten path.”
“The latest film by documentarian Alan Govenar centers on the National Heritage Fellowship, awarded annually by the National Endowment for the Arts since 1982. Keeping folk traditions alive, the American citizens and permanent residents who have been selected for the honor collectively present a vision of sweeping cultural breadth — one that restores the luster to such overused words as ‘diversity.’”
“Many viewers will be more than eager to follow these folk heroes off the beaten path.”
“Highlighting an impressive array of men and women who have been awarded the National Heritage Fellowship since 1982, the film is an extensive celebration of traditional artists from across the world who are thriving in the United States.”
“The ‘Extraordinary Ordinary People’ in Govenar’s film give insights into how cultures endure, and how cultural expressions evolve while also remaining true to their roots. The artists and culture-keepers persist through all challenges – lack of resources and support, notwithstanding – to offer awe-inspiring works. The film also is a clarion call for all of us to advocate for continued support and funding for the NEA and the National Heritage Fellowship.”
“The ‘Extraordinary Ordinary People’ in Govenar’s film give insights into how cultures endure, and how cultural expressions evolve while also remaining true to their roots. The artists and culture-keepers persist through all challenges – lack of resources and support, notwithstanding – to offer awe-inspiring works. The film also is a clarion call for all of us to advocate for continued support and funding for the NEA and the National Heritage Fellowship.”
“Extraordinary Ordinary People reminds us that cultures are amalgams of people and provides a solid jumping-off point for exploration. Anyone with diverse or peculiar tastes in acoustic music, weaving, knitting, sculpting, or dance will find something to sink their teeth into.”
“Most viewers will likely be impressed by the breadth of this artistic survey of folk art, most of which originated in rural and sometimes indigenous societies.”
“From the evolution of bluegrass to Peking opera in New York City, director Alan Govenar relishes in these art forms and their histories.”
“Most viewers will likely be impressed by the breadth of this artistic survey of folk art, most of which originated in rural and sometimes indigenous societies.”
“From the evolution of bluegrass to Peking opera in New York City, director Alan Govenar relishes in these art forms and their histories.”
“Extraordinary Ordinary People takes us a journey of folk and traditional arts in America with lots of music performed by those who have been awarded the fellowship and it is great fun. There is more than music here and we meet dancers, musicians, woodcarvers, quilters and others involved in traditional American art. There is a lot of talent here.”
“A thoroughly engaging documentary, Extraordinary Ordinary People is especially recommended for public library collections.”
ARTICLES
An interview with director Alan Govenar. Here's an excerpt:
“People have a mistaken image of folk art and folklore as being static and dead, when it’s very much alive. That’s not to say that some traditions haven’t passed on or vanished because they’re no longer relevant, but every tradition in this movie is still very vital. And it’s because people are not only carrying on what they learned, they’re adding something new. They’re always becoming new. They’re adding new verses to songs, they’re creating new stitches, they’re designing new quilt patterns, they’re innovating, creating. They’re artists.”
~Alan Govenar, director of Extraordinary Ordinary People
“People have a mistaken image of folk art and folklore as being static and dead, when it’s very much alive. That’s not to say that some traditions haven’t passed on or vanished because they’re no longer relevant, but every tradition in this movie is still very vital. And it’s because people are not only carrying on what they learned, they’re adding something new. They’re always becoming new. They’re adding new verses to songs, they’re creating new stitches, they’re designing new quilt patterns, they’re innovating, creating. They’re artists.”
~Alan Govenar, director of Extraordinary Ordinary People
“This exuberant film makes each art sampled, from oud playing to basket weaving to bobbin lace making, feel indispensible.”
“Extraordinary Ordinary People is a celebration of art, survival, and the riches of human experience.”
“Extraordinary Ordinary People is a celebration of art, survival, and the riches of human experience.”
Article about director Alan Govenar in relationship to the screening of Extraordinary Ordinary People at Dallas VideoFest's Docufest film festival. Here's an excerpt:
“We have many talented artists and visionaries in Dallas, many of whom you can read about on this website; but there is one who does not get enough love in his hometown: Alan Govenar. Alan is a true Renaissance man.”
“Alan has been videotaping the National Heritage Fellowship awards and has embellished by following great American folk artists from so many traditions in his new multi-platform project, Extraordinary Ordinary People, which is a book, a traveling exhibition, and now a documentary film which is the opening night film for Docufest.”
“We have many talented artists and visionaries in Dallas, many of whom you can read about on this website; but there is one who does not get enough love in his hometown: Alan Govenar. Alan is a true Renaissance man.”
“Alan has been videotaping the National Heritage Fellowship awards and has embellished by following great American folk artists from so many traditions in his new multi-platform project, Extraordinary Ordinary People, which is a book, a traveling exhibition, and now a documentary film which is the opening night film for Docufest.”
