In Pursuit of a Dream 2011
Distributed by Landmark Media Inc., 3450 Slade Run Dr., Falls Church, VA 22042; 800-342-4336
Produced by Travis Boley
Directed by Bob Noll
DVD, color, 41 min. and 48 min.
Elementary - Sr. High
Oregon National Historic Trail, History, Western U.S.
Date Entered: 09/08/2011
Reviewed by Michael Fein, Coordinator of Library Services, Central Virginia Community College, Lynchburg, VAThis award-winning production follows twenty-four contemporary teenagers who take a journey on the Oregon Trail. Beginning in Wyoming and ending up at trail’s end in Oregon, the young people dress in clothing that the pioneers would have worn and walk or ride in covered wagons. We see these teenagers mature into young adults as they learn first-hand how their decisions affect not only themselves but others in the train. They also gain an appreciation into the difficulties and hardships endured by the pioneers in settling the West. The students are lead and guided by several adults who help the students learn teamwork and responsibility. Interspersed with the action are excerpts from diaries and letters of actual pioneers that give a nice historical context to what the audience is viewing. Both the photography and sound for this production are excellent with some splendid shots of the broad vistas of the Western United States. Junior high and high school audiences would get the most from this production, but college and public libraries should consider it as well.
Awards
- Remi Winner, 43rd Annual WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival 2010
- Spur Award, Western Writers of America 2010
- Winner, Oregon Heritage Excellence Award 2010
- Winner, Best Experimental Film, Oregon Film Awards