The Mountain Minor is a 2019 independent drama film directed by Dale Farmer. Set in the Appalachian Mountains, the story follows the life of Charlie Abner, an aging musician who left his rural home in Kentucky decades ago to start a family and career in Ohio. Now retired, Charlie finds himself struggling to fit into the modern world and yearns to reconnect with his past.
The film begins with Charlie visiting his childhood home in Kentucky, where his brother Birch still lives with his family. Charlie is taken aback by the changes in the area, as modernization has erased many of the traditions and values that he grew up with. Despite his reservations, Charlie decides to stay for a while and reconnect with his roots.
Throughout the film, Charlie introduces his grandkids to the traditional music that he grew up with, teaching them old songs and techniques that he learned from his father and grandfather. His kids and grandkids are initially hesitant and skeptical of the music, but eventually grow to love it, bonding with Charlie as they learn to play together.
Ultimately, the film explores the themes of tradition, family, and the importance of passing down cultural heritage from one generation to the next. It highlights the challenges of modern life, and the difficulties of reconciling the past with the present. Despite these challenges, however, The Mountain Minor ultimately celebrates the power of music and the enduring connection between family and community.
