Chasing Voices: The Story of John Peabody Harrington

This documentary explores the extraordinary life and work of John Peabody Harrington, a pioneering linguist and anthropologist who dedicated his career to documenting the world's vanishing languages. Through archival footage and interviews, the film traces his relentless pursuit of indigenous knowledge across North America and beyond, highlighting his significant contributions to linguistic preservation.

The film was generally well-received by critics, who praised its sensitive portrayal of Harrington's work and its importance in highlighting the urgency of language preservation. Audience reception was also positive, with many appreciating the educational value and the moving personal stories shared.

• Praised for its deep dive into a vital but often overlooked area of anthropological study.

• Commended for its respectful and comprehensive look at John Peabody Harrington's dedicated life's work.

• Noted for its success in bringing attention to the critical issue of linguistic diversity loss.

Google audience: Viewers found the documentary to be incredibly informative and inspiring, highlighting Harrington's passion and the crucial importance of his work in saving endangered languages. Many appreciated the personal anecdotes and the emotional impact of understanding the loss of cultural heritage.

Nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the Sundance Film Festival.

John Peabody Harrington was known for carrying notebooks everywhere and often conducted interviews in remote locations, sometimes living with indigenous communities for extended periods to gain their trust and accurately document their languages.