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Deep Dive: Pahokee (2019)

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Pahokee
Pahokee is a documentary that follows four teenagers during their senior year at Pahokee High School in Florida. The film employs an observational approach, capturing the daily lives and aspirations of Na'Kerria, Jocabed, Junior, and BJ as they navigate their final year of high school. Na'Kerria is a cheerleader balancing work, cheerleading, and pageant campaigning, while Jocabed aims to be the top student and attend the University of Florida. Junior juggles parenthood and school, and BJ, the football co-captain, aspires to play college football. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and presents a close look at the community's dynamics through the lens of these students. It emphasizes the importance of the high school in Pahokee, showcasing the personal ambitions and family backgrounds of the teenagers, including Jocabed's immigrant experience and Junior's responsibilities as a young father.

Why Watch

  • •Meet Na'Kerria, a cheerleader aiming for Miss Pahokee.
  • •Follow Jocabed, a top student targeting the University of Florida.
  • •See Junior balancing fatherhood and schoolwork.
  • •Find out about BJ, the football team co-captain's college dreams.

Did You Know

•The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2019.
•Pahokee High School is central to the community's identity.
•Na'Kerria works at a fried fish restaurant while preparing for a pageant.
•Jocabed is the youngest daughter of Mexican immigrants.
•The film has a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes as of February 2022.

Perfect For

Teen life in rural AmericaHigh school sports cultureImmigrant family storiesDocumentary film enthusiasts