“With a patient and unobtrusive eye, filmmakers Lucas and Bresnan paint impressionistic portraits of a quartet of charismatic teenagers over the course of a pivotal school year.” -Jen Yamato, The L.A. Times
“Four teens from low-income families reckon with their own self-worth in this sensitive documentary about growing up and getting out.” -David Ehrlich, Indiewire
“Every now and then comes a documentary that feels like an American landmark. Pahokee is one of those films.” - Pat Mullen, POV Magazine
“Lively and rousing as a generational snapshot, buoyed by the lovable, resilient kids at its heart.” -Guy Lodge, Variety
“Compelling in its exploration of the stunning marvels of the seemingly mundane, Pahokee astonishes, one subtle dramatic turn after the other.” - Christopher Reed, Hammer to Nail
“An intimate portrait of black and Latino high schoolers reaching for greatness. Full of hope, life, and beauty in a place mostly known for its struggles.” - Monica Castillo, Remezcla
“Funnels a vivid snapshot of class and race into poetic tidbits of coming-of-age insight. The kind of layered non-fiction experiment that sneaks up on you.” - Eric Kohn, Indiewire
“Pahokee is the best documentary I've seen this Sundance. It's 'America To Me' only verité and in a 112-minute micro.” - Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter
“It is the quiet moments of genuine humanity and poignancy that the filmmakers capture that linger long after the credits.” - Josh Kupecki, Austin Chronicle
“A complex and multi-layered work that recalls both the gritty social realism of the new American cinema as well as the neorealist touch. Pahokee is a powerful portrait of a forgotten America absent from the current political discourse.” - Giona A. Nazzaro, Head of Critics Week, Venice Film Festival
“Beautifully and thoughtfully composed. A warm and tender community portrait.” - Arlin Golden, Film Inquiry
