The first feature collaboration by North Carolina School of the Arts grads Martha Stephens (Pilgrim Song) and Aaron Katz (Cold Weather) is truly a film of odd couplings. Katz, originally from Portland, is one of the originators of mumblecore (according to Wikipedia, a subgenre of American independent film characterized by low budget production values and amateur actors), while Stephens’ previous movies portray characters trying to escape their Appalachian roots.For Land Ho!, the two bring professional actor, Australian Paul Eenhoorn (This Is Martin Bonner), together with relative newcomer Earl Lynn Nelson, Stephens’ second cousin. Nelson’s acting experience is limited to two of Stephens’ previous films; this marks his first lead role, which Stephens wrote specifically for him. Read the full review here.
