Bucks County, USA
In 2021, filmmakers Barry Levinson and Robert May embarked on a mission to explore America's political divide by documenting the lives of Evi and Vanessa, two 14-year-old best friends from the swing county of Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
The resulting five-part docuseries, "Bucks County, USA," presents an unbiased and impartial examination of a community torn by political discord. Levinson and May have deliberately avoided editorializing either side, seeking instead to understand the roots of the conflict and the challenges of achieving consensus among rational people.
Focus on Teenagers
The filmmakers initially interviewed adults, but realized that the vitriol was primarily emanating from school board meetings, involving parents fighting over their children's education. This led them to focus on teenagers, who were directly affected by the conflict.
Evi and Vanessa's parents allowed their daughters to participate in the film despite their own opposing political beliefs. The families' willingness to prioritize their childrens' friendship over their own differences is a testament to their forward-thinking attitudes.
Production and Sundance Premiere
Filming commenced in 2022 and is ongoing, with the remaining episodes expected to be completed in spring 2023. The first two episodes will screen at the Sundance Film Festival on January 28th.
Artistic Inspiration and Approach
Levinson draws inspiration from his childhood experiences, where a political difference with his cousin did not disrupt their close bond. He believes that the current political divide stems from an inability to tolerate differing viewpoints without resorting to hostility.
The documentary format allows Levinson and May to present the story without making judgments, instead focusing on how people behave and interact. They emphasize the importance of understanding the perspectives of those with whom we disagree.
Distribution Strategy
The filmmakers chose to delay seeking distribution until after a few episodes were completed, believing that potential buyers would be more receptive to a tangible product. Sundance provides an opportunity to showcase the series to a wider audience and ignite discussions about its themes of humanity and the challenges of bridging political differences.