Documentary captures Cattle Call By BRIANNA LUSK,Staff Writer
Saturday, November 11, 2006 1:37 AM PST
Brawley - Not long after two out-of-towners set foot into the city limits during Cattle Call week, they knew they were entering a world of its own.
Traditions are interwoven into the community and its identity, honoring the Western lifestyle that has diminished in recent decades.
But filmmakers J.R. Mitchell and Joshua Meyerson saw a legacy — an intricate storyline that would write itself over the next year.
Now, Meyerson and Mitchell’s work can be seen in their documentary film celebrating Cattle Call Rodeo’s 50th anniversary.
“What started out as a little piece ended up turning into a grander story,” said Mitchell, who co-wrote and directed the film with Meyerson.
Filming began in 2005, when Mitchell and Meyerson attended their first Cattle Call Rodeo. Enticed by the potential to put together an encompassing piece, the two decided a commemorative DVD was warranted.
In collaboration with Brawley natives Ryan Brandt, who produced the film, and Matt Rutherford, who co-produced and narrated the documentary, the story took shape.
“From an outsider’s point of view, there’s a rich heritage of the Old West here,” Meyerson said. “I felt it tied to my own Americana history.”
Recalling the sense of nostalgia that only comes from looking back at history, Mitchell said Cattle Call has a lot of heart behind it that shines through on film.
“The newer generation gets to see the history of how it came together,” Mitchell said. “It gives perspective of what it all means.”
The film includes historical rodeo footage from decades gone by, interviews with one of the rodeo founders, Al Smith, former rodeo queens and more.
Rutherford, whose grandfather was also a founding member of the rodeo, said documenting his family’s role in the rodeo was a unique experience.
“Being able to show others that don’t live here our community and how it means so much to the town … it’s great,” Rutherford said.
Brandt said obtaining permission from the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association to use rodeo footage was critical to the integrity of the film and he said production would not have been possible without the generosity of local Valley families.
Opening their photo albums and their homes, Brandt said the documentary all came together through rodeo lovers in the Valley.
“This marks the anniversary and pays tribute to what this city does,” Meyerson said.
“People who come to the 50th can take this as a souvenir,” Brandt added.
But it’s not about the money, Brandt said.
“This is so that others will know what Cattle Call is and what it means,” he said.
Meanwhile, Meyerson and Mitchell said they are intrigued by the amount of pioneering that went into the founding of the Imperial Valley and the intricate stories that are left to tell.
“We entered this environment and we take away a great sense of love for the area,” Meyerson said.
“People were so willing and open to help each other out,” Mitchell added. “We were overwhelmed.”
Portions of the proceeds from DVD sales will go to the PRCA injured cowboys fund and is on sale at multiple locations in Brawley and at the rodeo.
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