The Overnighters - True/False Film Fest

The Overnighters

A decade ago, Williston, North Dakota, was a sleepy place. Then an oil gusher inspired a flood of get-rich-quick immigrants. Director Jesse Moss, whose Speedo: A Demolition Derby Love Story played at the inaugural T/F, headed to the boom town and found documentary gold: the extraordinarily complex character of Pastor Jay Reinke. The pastor sees the newly arrived homeless, viewed as a scourge by some, as “God’s gifts to us” and successfully rallies his congregation to create a shelter. But don’t call him a saint! The humble Reinke says, “We’re all broken,” and there’s nothing here to make you think any differently. At every turn, Moss confounds our expectations and prejudices, and captures vivid scenes unlike any doc in recent memory. If that weren’t enough, brace yourself for a surprise ending guaranteed to pin you to your seat. (PS)
Director: Jesse Moss
Runtime: 1:40
In-person: director Jesse Moss and editor Jeff Gilbert
Fest Year: 2014
Not all who flooded the North Dakota oil fields found a gusher: some of them landed in a shelter run by Pastor Jay Reinke, whose turbulent story matches theirs.