Jacob Young Returns from 2008 Sundance
Jesco, Jacob Young, Jesco’s former wife - at Jesco Fest several years ago
Jacob Young, one of WV’s finest filmmakers, was invited to attend the 2008 Sundance Film Festival to introduce his landmark documentary called “Dancing Outlaw.” He had a great time and finally got to see the film based on Jesco White, “White Lightnin’.” Hopefully, I will be able to see the film soon….and I hope that the 2009 WV Intl. Film Festival and other groups in WV will be able to screen the film for the people of the state.
from Jacob Young in Morgantown -
Sundance was outstanding. “White Lightnin” was stunning. The lead actor, Ed Hogg, became the younger, leaner, meaner Jesco I used to know. The film is completely wild. Shane Smith, the co-author, carefully listened to all of Jescos crazy fantasies. These are things I usually tried to ignore. On top of this is Shane’s fertile imagination. The film is pure fiction, with the only seed of truth being the essence of Jesco’s character. Everything takes off like a rocket from there. I know that many people in West Virginia will be upset by the movie. Remember all the people who absolutely hated “Dancing Outlaw?” All I can say is, wait until they see this. But you know, everyone should remember that this is fiction. Just a story. It’s not meant to represent a town or a state or a region. It’s just a story, a tragedy really. And when you look at it that way, I think it’s a good film.We had a great time. It was really good to meet everyone connected with the film, and to see Dominic Murphy, the director again. I enjoyed working with him when he came to WV, so it was good to see him.
Carmen took a million pictures, so I will send a few as soon as I catch up on some things. I’ve been to a lot of film festivals before, but this one was the most fun ever.
