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The documentary Homegrown takes viewers deep into the heart of the 2020 election, following three passionate Trump supporters—Thad Cisneros, Randy Ireland, and Chris Quaglin—as they crisscross America campaigning for Donald Trump’s re-election. Directed by Michael Premo and produced by Rachel Falcone, the film offers an intimate portrayal of these men, their motivations, and the broader movement they sought to strengthen. It also places them at the centre of one of the most defining moments in modern American history: January 6, 2021.
The Making of Homegrown In embedding themselves within right-wing groups like the Pride Boys, Premo and Falcone entered a world that has historically huge mistrust towards mainstream media. “I wasn’t sure what type of people I would meet,” Premo recalls, “but I found individuals who had this critique that we live in a system rigged in favour of billionaires at the expense of working people.” Their access was earned through time spent at rallies and conservative events, where they built relationships and gained the trust of those they filmed. The result is an unfiltered look at political activism from the inside, devoid of narration, allowing the subjects to speak for themselves. The three primary figures—Cisneros, Ireland, and Quaglin were chosen from a larger group of participants because they embodied distinct archetypes within the movement. “Chris represented the newly politicised type,” Premo explains. “Before 2016, he had no interest in politics but felt frustrated with his life and found inspiration in Trump. Thad represented the increasing multicultural aspect of the conservative movement, and Randy was the diligent, tireless behind-the-scenes organiser.” Even as others hoped and speculated that Trump might be defeated in 2024, Premo and Falcone witnessed a different reality taking shape. “Based on what we were seeing, it seemed inevitable. It seemed like Trump would beat Biden,” Premo reflected.“And then, when Biden dropped out, it seemed even more of a lock.” Falcone echoed this sentiment, saying, “The film for us was like an understanding of what was attracting people to the movement, and so that just increased with the next election. So it felt pretty obvious to us that it was likely he was going to win.” Their firsthand experiences led them to believe that Trump's influence wasn’t waning—it was strengthening. January 6: Shock, but Not Surprised For Premo and Falcone, January 6 was a turning point in their documentary journey. “We describe it as being absolutely shocked but not surprised,” Premo says. Having spent time within the movement, they sensed the growing tension but were unprepared for the sheer scale of the chaos they experienced on the frontline that fateful day. “When the first barricade fell, we looked at each other and thought, ‘Oh my God, we should put on our gas masks. This is going to be crazy.’” Falcone describes the day as an exercise in survival. “Our goal was to stay with Chris and follow him, which helped us focus amidst the chaos. All I kept thinking was, ‘Is the camera still recording?’” Their preparation—bringing gas masks, bulletproof vests, and helmets—helped them stay safe, but nothing could prepare them for the reality of witnessing the storming of the Capitol firsthand. One moment that stands out for Premo occurred before Trump had even finished speaking. “We were gathered with our participants near the Capitol lawn. There weren’t really any police. I saw one officer get punched in the neck, fall back, and retreat up the path. That was the moment I realised, ‘Wow, this is going to be something.’” Falcone recalls a particularly harrowing experience in the tunnel of the Capitol, where she and Premo found themselves caught in a crush of bodies. “Chris was in the front, and we were in the back, trapped. You have those moments where you make eye contact and think, ‘Should we have been here? Are we going to make it out?’” They were eventually helped to safety by someone they recognised, but the experience left an indelible mark. The Fate of the Film’s Subjects Cisneros and Ireland faced legal consequences but Chris Quaglin became a prominent face of the January 6 riot. “He got one of the longest sentences for 12 years,” Premo notes. However, in a dramatic turn of events, Quaglin was pardoned on January 20 and is now free. His trajectory from politically disengaged citizen to fervent activist and then convicted rioter—mirrors the radicalisation that many within the movement underwent. A Story That Keeps Unfolding Given the evolving nature of American politics, Premo and Falcone are open to the idea of a sequel. “It might be important to continue following this story because it keeps evolving and becoming more relevant every day,” Premo says. The film has sparked discussions across the political spectrum, with conservatives and liberals alike grappling with its implications. Some Trump voters have expressed frustration with the direction of the movement, while others see Homegrown as a validation of their beliefs. For Falcone, the film serves as a lens into a movement that is often misunderstood. “It was about understanding what was attracting people to the movement,” she explains. “And so that just increased with the next election.” The film’s impact has extended beyond the U.S., with European audiences recognising parallels in their own political landscapes. “We’ve had screenings where people say, ‘I know that guy,’” Premo shares. The film serves as both a historical record and a cautionary tale. As Premo and Falcone’s work highlights, political fervour doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It grows, it changes, and, as Homegrown reveals, it leaves a lasting imprint on the individuals who embrace it and the country as a whole. - Lee Hutchison Homegrown will screen at the Glasgow Film Festival on Saturday March 8th at 8:30pm and Sunday March 9th at 3:30pm www.glasgowfilm.org/movie/homegrown/ |
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