Watch Fire on the Hill

Fire on the Hill is a 2020 documentary film that delves into the world of black horsemen and tries to provide a glimpse into their lives. The movie is set in Compton, California, where the black cowboy tradition has been kept alive for over a century. It shows how this community of horse riders is facing a tough time as property prices soar and the city gets gentrified.

The film is directed by Brett Fallentine, who himself had a brief history with the famous black cowboy community of Compton as he had made a short film on this subject earlier. The movie is shot in a cinéma vérité style, which means that it uses a documentary-style approach to capture the reality of the situation as accurately as possible.

The central character of the story is Ghuan Featherstone, a 13-year-old boy who has grown up around black cowboys and has been riding horses since he was three years old. He is part of a tight-knit community of black cowboys that meets twice a week to ride their horses through the city streets of Compton. Ghuan is an aspiring cowboy who dreams of becoming one of the best riders in the community.

Another interesting character in the movie is Chris Byrd, a former NFL player who turned to horse riding and became a part of the black cowboy community. However, his involvement has brought him notoriety among his peers, and he struggles to find acceptance within the cowboy community.

William Bias is another significant figure in the documentary. He has been a black cowboy for over 50 years and is one of the oldest riders in the community. William also runs the Hill Stable, one of the few stables still remaining in Compton, which serves as a hub for the cowboy community. He shares his experience of growing up as a black cowboy and the challenges he faced.

The film shows how the urbanization of the once rural Compton has led to a clash between the traditional way of life of the black cowboys and the fast-moving pace of the modern world. Gentrification has led to the loss of land and stables, making it difficult for the black cowboy community to keep their traditions and way of life alive.

Fire on the Hill is an observational documentary that captures the community's daily lives and struggles. The film does not provide a commentary, but the audience can feel the frustration and disappointment of the community as they are pushed out of their homes and neighborhoods. Through the documentary, we get to see the strength and resilience of the cowboys and how they are determined to preserve their history and legacy.

The cinematography of the film is impressive, and the visuals are stunning. The documentary captures the beauty of the African-American cowboy culture and highlights the importance of this culture in American history. The sound design is also noteworthy, with the clomping of hooves and neighing of horses adding to the film's authenticity.

The music used in the documentary is a mix of traditional cowboy songs and modern hip-hop, which provides an interesting contrast and adds to the movie's overall effect. The music is used to emphasize the cultural divide between the cowboys and the city's new residents.

In conclusion, Fire on the Hill is a must-watch documentary for anyone interested in American history and culture. The film provides an intimate look into the lives of black cowboys in Compton and the challenges they face. It highlights the importance of preserving traditions and cultures and celebrates the resilience of a community that refuses to give up its legacy. The movie is a powerful reminder of how art can provide a platform for unheard voices to be heard, and stories to be shared.

Fire on the Hill is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 24 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.