“SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT THIS ONE. IT’S IMPORTANT.”
A sigh of relief from the opening few shots… Immediately I knew this would be a film containing values—something I unfortunately don’t get to experience too often these days. Ocean of Grass is a compelling documentary about a Nebraska ranch that is more than a century old, as well as the lives of the individuals who support it. This documentary moved me. I live on the coast, but it has made me think a lot about the heartland of America and the men and women who work hard in order for it to thrive. Spread the word about this one. It’s important.
– Taylor
Real Quotes from Real Viewers
"We recently purchased this movie & received it very quickly. My husband laughed at how many times I cried & laughed at the film. We both thought it was incredibly well done and a must see. We couldn't recommend this movie more!"
- Jennifer G.
"An absolutely phenomenal documentary"
- Linda J.
"A movie where the audience applauds when it is over. Truly stunning!!"
- Margie G.
"artistic"
The film was artistic and beautiful. Congratulations, so well done!
- Brian B.
"I have been waiting"
I LOVE this movie and am so happy that it is finally on DVD. I have been waiting!
- Marguerite L.
"we LOVED it"
Saw the movie with my Mom & we LOVED it. Mr. McGinn had us in tears and stitches. Feeding range cubes out his pickup window & sitting with his coffee had us both tearing up. My Dad's favorite thing was to get a box of donuts, a cup of coffee, the OWH & head to the pasture. He'd find his herd and park in the middle of them.
"A great show! Tells it like it is!"
- Chuck M.
"My Christmas gift of your DVD to two family members was a hit!!! They were so surprised and LOVED the movie."
- Ruth S.
"vision"
Tom Larson's musical score works wonderfully to reinforce the filmmakers' vision.
"it needs to go nationwide"
I am from Nebraska and got to see it while back there in North Platte. FABULOUS FILM, it needs to go nationwide.
- Jacquie B.
"Really powerful, emotional. A very moving and intimate story with breathtaking scenery. And it clearly struck a chord with the audience."
- Tom L
"love their animals"
Truly showed how livestock people love what they do & how much they love their animals. I hope you have great success in getting this into larger urban areas to help alleviate some of the myths & rumors people in Ag face.
- Suzy K.
"an awesome show"
This is an AWESOME show!! I encourage anyone to attend...not just the ranchers.
- Mary M.
"own a copy"
Excellent movie. Went to the theater to see it. Knew then I would buy it if it became available on DVD. Now I own a copy.
- Deb R.
"A must for every Christmas stocking!"
- Joanne B.
"Ordered & watched last night. Powerful. The real deal. Story of so many of our ranchers but particularly poignant... Real people helping each other in time of need."
- Kris R.
"just oozed the Sandhills"
I just loved the film. It captured a simple, slow way of life on a family ranch with great story telling & humor, and just oozed the Sandhills.
"I bought OCEAN OF GRASS...It is AWESOME. I ranched in the Sandhills for over 15 years in my youth. This family film is true to ranch life. Your whole family will learn & enjoy."
- Bill H.
"This is a GREAT film for anyone who loves the country life and farming & ranching. I've seen it and would go to see it again."
- Betty E.
"gather around"
You may not know the people in the film, but you know people just like them: they gather around a big table at the restaurant on rainy days, talk land & cattle & machines. Most days they are on the land, working it, loving it, & hating it. This is a beautiful film, and well worth the time.
" My wife and I just received and watched our DVD. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Beautifully written and the cinematography was excellent."
- Cliff S.
"I sobbed with homesickness when I watched it."
- Joan H.
"I viewed the film 'Ocean of Grass' yesterday. Couldn't get it out of my mind this morning. I kind of felt like I'd gone home for a visit!"
- San Diego, CA.
"outstanding!"
It was amazing! The cinematography, music, and the insight into the lives of the multi-generational Sandhills ranchers was outstanding! Hope you have additional showings throughout the state so others can be informed and enriched!
"You have made an exceptional movie that I am sharing with my neighbors."
- Cade H.
"What a great movie about ranch life!! It is a true picture of how much work goes into raising cattle!!"
- Linda M.
"What I found so endearing about the movie is that, though I don't know the people in the film, I know them under different names. They gather on stormy days around the table in the local cafe for coffee. I felt invested in the film."
- Caryl H.
"great admiration"
Such a great film! Beautifully photographed and so interesting. I felt great admiration for the families who are featured -- and the ones I know who live similar lives.
- Carla H.
"People need to see the hardships & sacrifice ranch families go through to see what's really at stake. It's a way of life, not a job."
- Flyin O Ranch
"make plans to see it"
If you have not seen this film yet, make plans to see it...What an amazing way to honor Nebraska beef producers.
"The best film about contemporary Sandhills ranching."
- John F.
"connected with it"
Thank you for all the work you put into the film. I really enjoyed the film and connected with it. It's safe to say that everyone in the audience did as well!
- Mark W.
"would go again"
(saw the film) in Broken Bow & again in Kearney. Would go again, very awesome documentary!
- Ryan D.
"I have the video - watched it and loved it! I grew up on a farm in South Dakota."
- Ken M.
"worth the watch"
I bought this and loved it! Just an absolute testament to the hard working cattlemen and beautiful grasslands. This land and its PEOPLE are National Treasures. The DVD is well worth the watch and the money.
- Linda M.
"I bought one for every branch of the family tree and we’ve thoroughly enjoyed it!"
- Sara B.
"emotions"
Everyone will find scenes that touch their emotions.
- Ed W.
"I bought this movie as a Christmas gift to myself.....I just finished watching it and it was everything I expected it to be."
- Timothy S.
"This is the most amazing film! Loved watching this!"
- Pat H.
"Totally unique, a sublime film with a focused eye"
"I saw 'Ocean of Grass'...loved it. Beautiful & timeless. Love for the Sandhills & it's people have never left me. So grateful for the lessons...even sharpening mower blades taught me patience in my youth."
- Marc E.
"One of my favorite ALL TIME films!"
- Kim A.
"I really enjoyed this film and learned new things about the Sandhills. I would recommend watching this!"
- Kay V.
"Really the most beautiful movie I've ever seen."
- Kim A.
"masterpiece"
You will laugh, cry and fall in love all over again with ranch life in the Sandhills of Nebraska. Thank you for this masterpiece that is hands down my favorite film of all time.
- Tessa Q.
"so interesting"
My sister and I took our parents Sunday evening. We all LOVED it!!!!! So good. So interesting!!
- Tamie T.
"Defines a new genre of documentary film..."
"outstanding film!"
Outstanding film! My husband and I enjoyed it immensely. Highly recommend everyone see it!! Well done!!
- Roberta H.
"emotional roller coaster"
It was an emotional roller coaster to watch. I laughed and cried!
- Melanie D.
"This movie is real! It tells the real story of the American rancher and accompanies that story with naturally beautiful scenery. A true American way of life."
- Christy U.
"(Joutras') depiction of a people and place without adornment or agenda is a cinematic rarity."
- Leo Adam Biga
author of "Alexander Payne, His Journey in Film"
"A truly FABULOUS film! GO SEE IT!"
- Kari B.
"passion"
Your film is amazing!! You captured the grit & passion of the McGinns & their neighbors and the beauty of the Sandhills perfectly! Thank you!!
- Helen C.
" Anyone who wonders about the 'real' ranching, not the Hollywood or cheesy 'Yellowstone' variety, should see this film. It's wonderful. Highly recommend it! Easy to order and the service is great!"
- Marty S.
"a worthy watch"
This is such a worthy watch!! If you haven't seen it yet, mark your calendar and go!
- Sheri L.
"powerful & proud"
Wonderful experience. Powerful. Proud to be a Nebraskan. Proud of my ranching family’s heritage. You captured it all in your film.
- Mark H.
"my third viewing"
Great story and photography!! This is my THIRD viewing. It's well worth seeing.
- Joe C.
"Loved it...makes me want to get back out to the Sandhills of Nebraska, so beautiful!!!!"
- Jan E.
"one of the best"
I wanted to let you know I LOVED Ocean Of Grass. Such a beautiful story. Truly one of the best shows ever, shows the spirit & hearts that make this place special.
"God's country"
A great movie about great people in God’s country.
"great memories!"
Fabulous film...taking my husband today after seeing it yesterday. Great memories!
"an impressive achievement that showcases ranching with a meditative touch"
"Best way to grow up"
From this old farm girl....I loved it. Best way to grow up in the country.
"We watched this movie the day after Christmas. What a wonderful film, we really enjoyed it!!"
- JoAnn T.
"if you love Nebraska"
Excellent! I'm so glad I was able to see this documentary. If you LOVE Nebraska, don't miss this!
- Jason T.
"30 dvd's"
Put me down for 30 DVD's...that was tremendous.
- Rich F.
"Go people!! It is a GREAT show!! So real!!"
- Becky R.
"Such a dynamic story...what a great family!"
- Laura M.
"complex"
(The film contains characters) as complex as any that our fellow Nebraskans Henry Fonda or Marlon Brando created.
- William G.
"incredibly realistic"
An incredibly realistic, deeply beautiful film about ranching in the Sandhills. It utterly captured the culture, ethos & authenticity of the ranching community. A visually breathtaking film that fully demonstrates the rich landscapes of Nebraska.
"go see it"
If you haven't seen this movie, GO SEE IT. If you've seen it, see it again. Very enjoyable.
- Julie G.
"Got this for my husband for Christmas. He grew up in the Sandhills. He LOVED IT !!"
- Pamela S.
"We've watched it three times"
- Mary M.
"Love this show. One of the best movies I've ever seen. It's so honest and down to earth. We need more of that these days."
- Joyce L.
"thank you"
Thank you for doing this film- so much education about the McGinn family & the sandhills- love this part of Nebraska.
"Great movie! It brought back lots of memories for my husband who visited his grandfather's farm every summer in the Sand Hills."
- Judy B.
"I've seen it multiple times. Heartwarming, which is good when it's 14 below."
- Rory B.
"Bought a copy of the DVD, watched today and loved it! Very well done...cowboys are sooo low-key and funny. You captured that attribute perfectly."
- Jayn L.
"Love this, I can watch it again and again, they captured it!!!!"
- Bonnie P.
"My mother grew up in Thedford, Nebraska. I bought this for her, she loved it!"
- Erika G.
"feel good"
At the end, you just feel good. We need more of these movies.
" Flawlessly shot and artfully edited, I was really moved by the story and your admiration & affection for your subjects."
- Michelle Kantor
Founder, Cinefemme
Los Angeles, CA
"Amazing film. I'm so thankful 8 members of my family spanning 3 generations attended together this past weekend. A great way to celebrate our ranching heritage."
- Amber F.
"remarkable beauty"
It was wonderfully done and captured the remarkable beauty of the sandhills, and her people.
"Purchased this movie and have already watched it twice!"
- Janet W.
"WOW"
Wow! What an amazing film! I loved every minute of it.
- Becki S.
"This movie was awesome"
This movie was awesome!! Could really relate as a rancher's daughter. Also, informs folks what a rancher goes through to get beef on their table.
- Beth L.
"This is a GREAT movie!"
- Joe G.
"spellbound"
The audience, which was spellbound, sat for a long time after the film was over, then ROARED and CLAPPED! It was amazing.
- Patsy S.
"going again"
A beautiful movie about ranching in Nebraska Sandhills. It was so good, I am going again today...you don't want to miss this artful documentary.
"A must-see! It's the way we Sandhillers live."
- Shelly M.
"Great movie, loved it. I'll never complain about feeding cows in the winter again."
- Debra E.
"My husband and I...country boy & city girl...watched it today and we both loved it!."
- Theresa K.
"full of feeling and emotion"
I have it! I love it! This film is full of feeling and emotion - it's terrific! Watched it twice so far. It ain't easy being a rancher or a farmer!
- Carol E.
"a glimpse of ranch life"
It gives a glimpse of ranch life in the Sandhills and how one family has made it work for 130 years....no small feat! The photography was wonderful too!! I really enjoyed it!
"It was truly amazing and a work of art. Brought me back to my teens growing up with cattle and horses. I was glued to the screen the whole time."
- Tyson K.
"totally enjoyed it"
My 2nd time seeing it & my husband's first. He totally enjoyed it and coming from a farming background could relate to the calving season. We really enjoyed the Q&A afterwards. Georg, your journey to make this film is truly amazing!
- Becky W.
"I watched it TWICE last night and will soon give it to my brother, who raises black cattle in the hilly Missouri Ozarks. Lovely!
- Karen M.
"beautiful and phenomenal"
A most BEAUTIFUL & PHENOMENAL documentary! One might need to go more than once as I saw more in depth the second time!
- Linda J.
"If you are from Nebraska, this is a must! Every Christmas tree needs this under it!"
- JoAnne B.
"it was amazing!"
I finally got to see Ocean of Grass! It was amazing! It told the story of the Sandhills/ranching so well.
"excellent documentary"
This is an excellent documentary, especially for those who love Nebraska or have a connection to our beautiful state! Be sure to see it!
- Jane R.
"Ordered this heart-warming film about the joys and struggles of real people, honest, hard-working, and salt-of-the-earth human beings. Beautiful scenery. I will watch it again and again."
- Peggy W.
"true grit"
I couldn't wait to see this documentary, last week I did, and it hasn't left my mind since...I knew it would be heartfelt, TRUE GRIT, and touch the memories of many. I was crying within a minute, and throughout, and with laughter and continuous smiles mixed in.
"wonderful show"
It was such a wonderful show, should be in ALL the theaters in our state!
"not typical"
Not a typical Hollywood drama - the drama comes as the viewer allows him/herself to virtually transcend beyond the screen & embrace the raw reality of this lifestyle.
- Karla D.
"respect"
You can sense the filmmakers respect for the Sandhills region...
"We watched it last night and definitely a good choice! THANK YOU for making the movie and sharing your life with us."
- Renee A.
"so geniune"
Loved your film, so genuine but not sugar coated. I'm normally a clock watcher but when your film ended I said 'Oh no! It's over already!
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“A TOTALLY UNIQUE FILM”
that bridges the gap between a documentary and a feature. With a pacing that reflects the Sandhills, this is a masterpiece.
– Patricia R.
3 Ways to Watch OCEAN OF GRASS
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“You haven’t seen this movie yet?”
What are you waiting on? Your family will love it!! Watch it together!
-Bev C.
A Tribute to Mike McGinn (1936-2021)
As Cass and I were out yesterday, I was sharing stories of different times. I told Cass we work in a unique business, a business centered around tribal learning. It’s the lessons and stories elders gave us that we treasure. Whenever I’m on the ranch and find myself struggling, I ask myself what would Uncle Mike do! His passion for ranching and its unique culture has always been very special to me, and I thank him for giving me those gifts that I can share with my children. In ranch life, legends never die. This is evident as our ancestors whisper to us as we walk through the pastures.
-Matt McGinn
Watch the Film Trailer
Upcoming Screenings
After 18 months in theaters, OCEAN OF GRASS is now available on DVD, High Definition Blu-ray, and ON DEMAND Digital.
” (Joutras’) depiction of a people and place without adornment or agenda is a cinematic rarity.”
– Leo Adam Biga, author of “Alexander Payne, His Journey in Film”
” The audience, which was spellbound, sat for a long time after the film was over, then ROARED and CLAPPED! It was amazing. ”
– North Platte, Nebraska
“YOU HEAR THE AUTHENTIC VOICES”
of the ranchers as the director weaves a story with deft subtlety, never imposing a false narrative of what it means to live this life.
-Samuel B.
The Film: “This all started because I went to a bar”
In 2003 filmmaker Georg Joutras was visiting the McGinn Ranch, a then 120 year old family ranching operation in the Nebraska Sandhills. While consuming a beverage or two at the Double T Bar in Halsey, Nebraska, Georg casually asked Laron McGinn if he might create a large-format photographic book about the ranch. While not specifically saying “Yes”, Laron didn’t say “No”. As Georg later stated, “That was good enough for me!”.
Flash forward ten years – the book project long ago completed and searching for another meaningful project to tackle, this time in the film and video realm. The lure of the McGinn Ranch, and its magical hold on all who experience it, is a story Georg long wanted to tell in this immersive form. Twenty-two months of filming later, “Ocean of Grass, Life on a Nebraska Sandhills Ranch” was born.
Travel to this hidden, idyllic location as the movie documents the fascinating people, the lands, its creatures, and the daily struggles to maintain a viable family cattle ranching operation. Guided by the hands of 3rd and 4th generation ranchers, OCEAN OF GRASS is a story of perseverance, of rebirth and death, hard work, sacrifice, ongoing stewardship of the land and care for its creatures presented in an lyrical, emotional, and beautifully filmed journey though the past and present. The film slowly peels back the layers of the interesting, heartfelt, and reserved folks who inhabit and coexist with the lands of the McGinn Ranch.
The ranch itself is a very much a living organism, alive in every way. Walk the prairie that encapsulates the ranch property, and one senses the life and energy that emanates from within. It faces constant assault and interaction with the elements of weather, be it storms, drought, blizzards, or one of the many serene and tranquil days that covers the land. The feeling of contentment and being one with our planet on these special days is indeed fuel for the soul.
This documentary film presents the unique visual viewpoint of Producer/Director/Cinematographer Georg Joutras within an immersive, experiential form.
Featured in the film – Artist/Rancher Laron McGinn
A 4th generation rancher, Laron McGinn was raised in the Sandhills of Nebraska. He has a degree in Graphic Design and Illustration from the University of Arizona, and has worked extensively throughout the Southwest and the Los Angeles metro.
Drawn back to the Sandhills beauty and open spaces, Laron now paints and works on the his family’s 1870’s homestead ranch near Dunning, Nebraska. Laron’s experiences with the ranching lifestyle combined with extensive travels in Europe are reflected in his unique artistic style. His mediums of choice are pencil drawings and alkyd or acrylic paintings.
Press Coverage
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WE LOVE THE SANDHILLS!
DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT
My history with the McGinn Ranch began in 2003 when I stopped in for what I thought would be a couple hours visit. Almost a week later, I finally dragged myself away from the meditative essence and intriguing personalities of the ranch. Since then I have visited the ranch too many times to count. I find its Zen-like magic never ceases to reinvigorate my being.
The people that call this place home are a unique breed: hard working, private, confident, honest, artistic and, as Laron McGinn states, “comfortable in their own skin”. This area is a land of limited population, even more limited job opportunities, and a harshness brought on by climate. But the Sandhills of Nebraska can also be idyllic, sublime, and on those special days in the spring and fall, truly magical.
My goal in making this film was to capture what makes this region, and specifically this ranch, so special. Those who have visited will know to what I refer. There is a relaxed, yet watchful, atmosphere here. Combine this with the personalities of many who are larger than life, OCEAN OF GRASS provides a compelling and honest window into the ranching lifestyle, and a view back to many Americans’ historic vision of what makes this country great.
“I am not necessarily telling a STORY, I am telling a FEELING“
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Cast & Crew Bios
Laron McGinn
Sandhills ArtA RANCHER WITH A PAINTING PROBLEM
View Laron’s art at www.laronmcginn.com.Tom Larson
A Musician of the SoulCOMPOSER, JAZZ PIANIST, RECORDING ENGINEER, EDUCATOR, AUTHOR
Hear Tom’s music at www.tomlarsonmusic.net.Books by Georg Joutras