NOMADLAND

BY: Amanda Jane Stern

In Chloé Zhao’s new film, Nomadland, following the economic collapse of her rural Nevada town, Fern (Frances McDormand), a woman in her sixties, uproots her life and lives nomadically out of her van as she treks across the American West. Mentoring Fern in her new lifestyle are real nomads Linda May, Swankie, and Bob Wells. The movie, which explores modern-day life on the road, was inspired by journalist Jessica Bruder’s book of the same name. 

Nomadland was invited to screen at the Venice International Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival, Telluride Film Festival, and the New York Film Festival. It will screen simultaneously on September 11, 2020, at the Venice and Toronto film festivals and will feature a virtual introduction by Zhao and McDormand. While the Telluride Festival was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, a special “Telluride from Los Angeles” drive-in screening of the film will be held in Southern California. Zhao and McDormand will appear in person for that screening. And finally, it will be the Centerpiece Selection for the New York Film Festival.

According to a press release from the distributor, Searchlight Pictures, Zhao was inspired to make Nomadland because: “The American road fascinates me. It’s heartbreakingly beautiful and deeply complicated. I’ve traveled it for many years and always hoped to capture a glimpse of it.”

Nomadland is set for a domestic release this fall, followed by an international release. David Strathairn also stars in the film.