45365 is the feature-length directorial debut from Turner and Bill Ross, who were born and raised in Sidney, Ohio, the small-town subject of their film. Not one scene in the documentary lasts more than a few minutes, which is perfect for those of us with ADHD, but the short and varied shots give extraordinary insight. We’re witness to every aspect of the townfolk’s daily lives: church, politicking, girl/barbershop talk, family time/feuds, the demolition derby, the rodeo, on-duty cops, pig racing, etc. There’s no beginning and no end, just segments of people’s lives linked together with small-town chains, such as the county fair, high school football, and community chicken dinners. And for a small town, ZIP code 45365 has its fair share of words of wisdom, such as the advice from a local fisherman: “If ya believe something, believe in it. If ya don’t believe in something, don’t believe in it. … And if your friends don’t ask ya for anything ya catch, ya turn ’em loose.” I never knew fishing could be so enlightening.

45365

Documentary Feature, Documentary Competition
D: Bill Ross IV & Turner Ross
Wednesday, March 18, 2pm, Alamo South Lamar

This article appears in March 20 • 2009.

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