This documentary by Norwegian film maker Frode Fimland will be shown in Decorah as part of the Oneota Film Festival, which runs the weekend of March 2-5, 2023. After the film, a pre-recorded panel discussion with Frode Fimland will be shown. The discussion was organized by Oneota Film Festival and includes Vesterheim President/CEO Chris Johnson.

Ninety-two-year-old John Hoiland runs his huge ranch in Montana all by himself. The son of a Norwegian immigrant, he has been raised to work hard and save his dollars for a rainy day. Through the years, people have offered him big money for his land. But life on the ranch is the only life he wants, and he finds great joy in the nature surrounding him, the freedom to work on his own land and daily conversations with his best friend Jim.

JOHN – The Last Cowboy is a poetic tribute to the simple life, a peaceful escape from fast-paced modern society and a subtle reminder of what is lost.

Vesterheim is very pleased to support Decorah’s Oneota Film Festival in showing this film! The mission of the Oneota Film Festival is to build and sustain a community of film lovers through screenings and discussion. As a non-profit community organization, they strive to bring quality films to Decorah and the surrounding communities that explore critical issues or address great challenges.

This film will be previewed on February 19 at 2:30 p.m. at the Waukon Main Feature Theater & Pizza Pub in Waukon, IA. Check the festival’s website for more information here.