Bottle Up and Go

In this thoughtful film, we delve into the life of Louis Dotson, a farmer and musician residing in Lorman, Mississippi. The story revolves around his creative endeavor of fashioning a unique "one-string guitar" and displaying it on the wall of his front porch. This simple yet profound act becomes an important symbol bridging African musical roots with the blues genre that has deeply impacted 20th-century music, including blues, rock n' roll, and rock itself.Dotson's artistic expression doesn't stop there; he also "blows the bottle" by using a Coca-Cola bottle partially filled with water, creating an auditory experience that further connects African roots to the blues. As we witness Dotson's daily life in Mississippi, we gain insight into how these seemingly ordinary activities were actually pioneering moments within musical history.Through intimate glimpses of Louis Dotson's life and his connection to his community, this film beautifully explores the evolution of American music while celebrating the ingenuity and perseverance of a humble musician rooted in tradition.