What are films for? In the case of fiction, that’s relatively easy to answer. They are meant to tell a story — dramatic, funny, romantic, scary, and so forth. But for documentaries, surely the primary goal is to unmask a wrong, describe in cinematic detail relatively unknown parts of the planet, describe a life, bring historical events to wider attention, or mercilessly expose corruption. The focus of writer-director Elijah Sullivan’s The Hole Story is almost entirely on a 60-something-foot manmade hole in California’s Mount Shasta. Who made it and why?
The hole in question, which was an unexpected and unwanted excavation, is found in an area protected by the U.S. Forest Service. Its discovery kicked off a full-fledged investigation to discover the who, what, when, where, and why of the situation and possibly lay charges, if warranted. Human nature being what it is, the local populace and, inevitably, a much broader segment of the region got wind of the strange hole in the mountain, and a footpath stretching from rubberwear trash cans to the “unholy” scene was created. Fearing a mishap, the Forest Service soon ordered it filled.
“…a 60-something-foot manmade hole in California’s Mount Shasta. Who made it and why?”
Through a series of interviews, Sullivan does his best to provide salient details. Most importantly, we hear from underemployed Brett Grimes, who was lured to the mountain by an offer “to build a fence,” which is soon part and parcel of the continuing excavation. His colleagues have been trained to alert Joseph, their suit-wearing overseer, whenever something of “interest” has been discovered and hauled up. A frequent guest of TV’s Arthur Talks, Stephen Sondoni, does his level best to visit the site and get to the bottom of it. He goes so far as to ask for permission to inspect the site from the I Am Foundation, which apparently holds the title and, most certainly, has a cult-like interest in whatever is discovered. Keeping an eye on it all is Forest Service super sleuth Carmen Kinch. With a reputation attested by her colleagues for solving her cases no matter the obstacle, the closest she gets is a lead to an assay lab. Yet even a formal submission in 2014 via the Freedom of Information Act comes back empty.
While the interviewees and their mini-escapades involving the hole are interesting, there’s more to enjoy about The Hole Story than just the narrative. Sullivan and Autie Carlisle’s cinematography readily keeps the eye engaged. The forest and mountainous terrain where the hole resides are splendidly captured, with lush colors and sweeping camera moves on full display. All watching will also savor the score by Dasan Sullivan. The somewhat muted piano lines suit the overall tone to a T while also fitting each scene very appropriately.
The best line of the production, “They would rather be lied to than face reality,” is sure to be something that will stick in the viewers’ minds. The Hole Story, although centered on a single mysterious incident, is likely to remain relevant due to the recent cuts made by the current administration to the U.S. Forest Service. If one likes a good mystery, and who doesn’t, then this well-made documentary is something to seek out.
The Hole Story screened at the 2025 Slamdance Film Festival.
"…something to seek out."
