Watch Extraordinary Ordinary People

Extraordinary Ordinary People is a 2017 documentary that explores the diverse array of traditional performing arts in America. Directed by Alan Govenar, the film showcases the talent, history, and passion of a dozen different artists from across the country, all of whom have dedicated their lives to preserving and sharing their unique cultural traditions.

Among the musicians, dancers, and storytellers featured in the movie are Sheila Kay Adams, a ballad singer and storyteller from North Carolina; Rahim AlHaj, an acclaimed Iraqi oud player and composer; and Alphonse Ardoin, a Creole accordionist and singer from Louisiana. Each of these artists not only performs their art form with skill and emotion, but also describes the origins and significance of their style within their own community.

The film also touches on the challenges faced by traditional artists in the modern world, including the loss of cultural memory, the threat of cultural appropriation, and the difficulties of passing on traditions to a younger generation. Through interviews with relatives, community members, and artistic collaborators, Extraordinary Ordinary People gives viewers an appreciation for the depth and richness of America's diverse cultural heritage.

One example of a traditional art form featured in the film is the fandango jarocho music and dance of Veracruz, Mexico. Extraordinary Ordinary People highlights the work of Patricio Hidalgo, a musician and teacher who has devoted his life to sharing fandango jarocho with his community in Los Angeles. Hidalgo explains the different elements of the music, such as the verses of improvised poetry and the intricate rhythms created by the stringed instruments and percussion. The film also shows Hidalgo working with a group of young musicians, passing on his knowledge and enthusiasm to the next generation.

Another artist profiled in the movie is Sidiki Conde, a dancer and drummer from Guinea who has overcome physical challenges to become a renowned performer and teacher. Conde lost the use of his legs at a young age due to polio, but he has adapted his traditional dance style to incorporate his wheelchair, creating a new form of dance that honors his roots while also reflecting his individuality. Extraordinary Ordinary People shows Conde performing his graceful and powerful moves, as well as teaching his students in New York City.

Throughout the film, viewers are treated to a variety of sights and sounds from different cultural traditions, from the Native American hoop dance of Kevin Locke to the klezmer music of Elaine Hoffman Watts. The artists discuss the importance of connection, community, and spiritual meaning in their work, as well as the challenges of maintaining these traditions in a rapidly changing world. Viewers are also introduced to the vibrant cultural communities that support these artists, from the powwow circuit to the zydeco dance hall.

Overall, Extraordinary Ordinary People is a celebration of the power of traditional arts to connect people across boundaries of language, culture, and geography. Whether it's through music, dance, storytelling, or visual art, the artists in the film demonstrate the vitality and beauty of their respective traditions, and inspire viewers to explore and appreciate the diversity of American culture.

Extraordinary Ordinary People is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 24 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.