Written and directed by Scott Simerly Jr., for 40 years, the Pigz Brotherz have been a staple of Raleigh’s music scene at the iconic Berkeley Cafe, but as the city changes, what happens to the art that built it? Featuring: Danny Squires.
Right from the beginning, Hog Heaven: The Pigz Brotherz Story has a great personality. Scott Simerly Jr. does a wonderful job of instilling the spirit of his key subject, Danny Squires, into the style and tone of the documentary. Creating a warm, inviting, cheery, enthusiastic atmosphere with a lot of respect and passion. As well as of course a huge dose of nostalgia as Squires takes a walk down memory lane, through the golden days and origin of ‘The Pigz Brotherz’.
Establishing that tone also means that Simerly Jr. fills Hog Heaven: The Pigz Brotherz Story with that feeling of community and culture. He’s able to pay respect to a local legend, celebrate his legacy, and the impact he, and the other members of the band, have left upon the people of Raleigh, while also making a statement. Touching upon what all this redevelopment and gentrification does to neighbourhoods, and what’s at stake.
Without needing to say so directly, Simerly Jr. portrays how heritage, culture and colour are being sacrificed for the sake of ‘progress’, a.k.a. capitalism and greed. How those places filled with memories and traditions, favourite meeting places of the locals, are slowly disappearing. Asking: what else gets lost along with those places? It’s a very relevant question, and one that countless communities are currently facing, whether it be replacing those artistic institutions with high-rise apartments, office spaces, warehouses, data centres or otherwise.
Making that statement subtly and letting Hog Heaven: The Pigz Brotherz Story primarily focus on the positives, and the meaningful experiences of Danny Squires was a really great choice. Easily demonstrating the importance of retaining the artists and art at the heart of cities, to hold onto its personality and spirit. The directorial style Simerly Jr. is familiar and effective, the early choices feel akin to the classic documentary love of reveal, digging into secrets and lesser known gems of the community, and it adds a nice punch. Then as it settles in, it has a more earnest style, reflecting that nostalgia and adoration.
With Hog Heaven: The Pigz Brotherz Story Scott Simerly Jr. creates a love letter to the city of Raleigh and the artists who helped to build it. While also asking what happens to the soul of a city when its places of culture and heritage are replaced with soulless modern architecture? Scott Simerly Jr. crafts a great balance of the two, adding those poignant notes without becoming dour, the film’s personality remains enthusiastic and passionate. It’s filled with admiration, nostalgia and Danny Squires makes for a wonderful, humble, charming subject.
