Our West Virginia Wednesday series continues with O Pioneer by WV filmmakers Clara Lehmann and Jonathan Lacoque!
O Pioneer is a documentary that celebrates three Appalachians from West Virginia as they embark upon an important journey—a journey that unfolds in the midst of a pandemic and personal heartache. Weaving narration with archival pioneer footage, candid moments from each subject, poetic vignettes, and dream-like animation, O Pioneer redefines what it means to be a pioneer and asks viewers to courageously champion the pioneer within.
Clara Lehmann, Director, Producer, and Writer
Clara co-founded the creative studio, Coat of Arms and serves as its director, producer, and writer. She wrote, directed and produced her first documentary, Born in a Ballroom, in 2019. The film premiered at Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Clara directed the Webby award-winning 360˚ short film, I’m Still Kenny; the Webby nominated films, 6 Seconds: In My Own Words; and the multi-award-winning animated series entitled Lullaby Theories. She wrote the feature film, A Perfect Soldier; and co-created the animated short film Death Loves Life. Lehmann lives in Helvetia, WV and balances her filmmaking with community development and restoration.
Jonathan Lacocque, Director, Producer, Cinematographer, and Editor
Jonathan co-founded the creative studio, Coat of Arms and serves as its creative director, producer, and editor. Lacocque directed, produced, filmed and edited the feature-length documentary, Born in a Ballroom in 2019 The film premiered at Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Lacocque produced, filmed and edited the award-winning film, A Perfect Soldier, which premiered at Cinequest in 2010 and enjoyed a long festival tour, including screenings at Mountain Film and The Frontline Club. Lacocque directed and produced the Webby nominated series Lullaby Theories. He directed the Webby award-winning 360˚ short film, I’m Still Kenny and the Webby nominated film, 6 Seconds: In My Own Words. Lacocque was born and raised in Chicago and currently lives in Helvetia, WV with his wife Clara and twin daughters, Lucy and Sophia.
