The history of the United States is a history of migration. From the stories of early European settlers, to the westward expansion, the California Gold rush and the mass emigration of people from the dust bowl, we’ve always been a nation on the move. And what moves us? The search for opportunity, the chance to make a better life for ourselves somewhere new.
One place that has recently become the destination of choice for many seekers is the mass oil field in North Dakota. Recently freed by fracking technologies (controversial in their own right), this has created thousands of jobs, the kinds of jobs that don’t really exist in very many places in America anymore. The kind of jobs that pay well, but don’t require much more than a high school diploma.
The Overnighters is a film that explores the consequences of chasing after the dream. It tells the story of the town of Lewiston, North Dakota, ground zero for the development of the new oil fields. It describes how the town has been changed by the arrival of thousands of job seekers. Specifically, it tells the story of Pastor Jay Reinke of Concordia Lutheran Church.
Reinke sees a need: many of these job seekers have no play to stay. The boom has raised housing prices, so most people simply cannot afford an apartment or even a hotel. To add to this, the town is considering a ban on letting people live long term in RVs and campers. Reinke does the only thing he can do, he opens up the church, giving the men places to sleep on the floor, and letting them sleep in their cars in the parking lot.
It’s a decision with consequences: for the church, for the town, for Reinke. The Overnighters explores these consequences. Written, produced, and directed by Jesse Moss, the film follows Reinke and his family, as well as community and church members, and the job seekers themselves. It gives a vivid picture of these people, their hopes, and their struggles of conscience. How does Reinke deal with the fact that some of the people he’s sheltering have criminal records, or are even registered sex offenders? How do the members of his church feel about their building being turned into what is essentially a homeless shelter? How will the community absorb its new population while keeping the new wave of crime in check.
Through it all we follow Reinke as he struggles to make all of this work. And we watch as a dark secret comes to light that threatens to undo all that he has worked so hard to accomplish, one that could take even his family away from him. It’s a fascinating look at a story that could too easily be ignored, but that has consequences for all of us, in every community in America.
POV: The Overnighters debuts Monday, June 29 at 10:00 p.m. on KIXE Channel 9.
