We Should Not Exist

This short documentary explores the challenging and often overlooked lives of residents in the small, economically depressed town of Gascoyne, North Dakota. It delves into the harsh realities of rural life, the struggles of maintaining a community, and the existential questions that arise when a place seems destined for oblivion. The film captures a poignant sense of place and the resilience of its inhabitants against overwhelming odds.

As a short documentary, 'We Should Not Exist' received acclaim within festival circuits and for its sensitive portrayal of a fading American town. Critics often highlighted its raw honesty and the filmmaker's ability to find profound human stories in seemingly bleak circumstances. It was praised for its evocative cinematography and its empathetic look at a community facing an uncertain future.

• A starkly beautiful and deeply moving portrait of a vanishing American town.
• Effectively captures the quiet dignity and struggles of its subjects.
• Provokes thought about rural decline and the human cost of economic hardship.

Google audience: Audience reviews are not widely available for this short documentary. However, festival screenings and critical notes suggest an appreciation for its authenticity and emotional impact.

Screened at various film festivals, including the Sarasota Film Festival and the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Film Festival.

The town of Gascoyne, North Dakota, featured in the documentary, had a population that dwindled significantly in the years leading up to and following the film's production, emphasizing the themes of decline and potential disappearance.