‘Rural By Choice’ docuseries explores why people choose to live in rural places
‘Rural by Choice’ is new 7-part docuseries that tells the story of why people choose to live in rural places through the eyes of WCCO Radio host and Perham-native, Cory Hepola. The docuseries was created by Otter Tail Lakes Country Association and Kvidt Creative to promote Otter Tail County, MN, but also gets deeper to explore what the perceptions are of rural life.
Cory Hepola explores his roots growing up in Otter Tail County in the docuseries. He says, “Growing up here, I loved it, or at least what I knew about it. While filming Rural by Choice, I got the chance to find out more, and while doing that, discovered a new appreciation and understanding of rural living.” Each episode of the series tells the story of some of the most important things in Otter Tail County—farming and agriculture, fishing and outdoor recreation, local food and brews, arts and culture, supportive schools, and friendly community members. While fun and entertaining, the episodes also do not shy away from more thoughtful conversations about diversity, the ‘rural vs. urban divide,’ and perceptions of life in rural places.
Micah and Jenna Kvidt of Kvidt Creative are also Otter Tail County natives, growing up in Pelican Rapids. As producers and editors of the series, they are passionate about telling the stories of the place they grew up. “We had a lot of fun filming and editing Rural by Choice, and we are proud of the result. We have worked with Otter Tail Lakes Country Association in the past and enjoy coming back because we can tell special stories in the work we do with them, partly because we grew up here and Otter Tail County still means a lot to us,” said Micah Kvidt.
Otter Tail County’s Rural Rebound Initiative Coordinator, Erik Osberg, was focused on the big picture. He said, “We wanted to create something that was more than a series of travel videos. We wanted to dig a little deeper and find out “why” people choose to live in rural places. We did not want to shy away from topics that surround that question, and I think that will give viewers of the series a lot to think about, whether they live in Otter Tail County, another rural place, or an urban place.” Osberg’s work with the County and Otter Tail Lakes Country Association is to promote Otter Tail County as a great place to visit, live, and work.
The first episode of the docuseries will premiere on September 12, with the rest of the episodes premiering weekly after that. It can be viewed on Facebook, YouTube, and the Otter Tail Lakes Country Association website.
