The Contradictions of Fair Hope

When is started, more than a century ago in rural Alabama, Fair Hope was a benevolent society that helped poor people in the community, generally newly freed slaves, by providing money for burial or other support when a family member became ill. Today, it’s…well, it’s something completely different, something that may have the founding members spinning in their graves. The organization itself is basically the same, it’s just that, over time the annual celebration and fundraiser for the charitable organization has evolved, or devolved if the truth be told. What was once a family affair where a few society members might have set up a grill to sell some fish to other society members, or where a few members might have snuck off into the woods to drink a bit or, heavens above, dance, has evolved into the single wildest party every known. Instead of a humble fish stall, there are now tents with strippers/prostitutes, tents where you can buy guns and tents where you can buy and use drugs. The film explores the greed that causes the change, but also takes a look at how the society uses that greed to stay alive. It’s both fearsome and fascinating.