Like John (“Mule”), Charlene Swankie, is also a nomad. She’s one of the growing population of “van dwellers” or “rubber tramps,” who, out of choice or necessity, no longer have a house to call home. She had been following the 3Mules Facebook page and came to Arroyo Grande hoping to meet The Mules. She was cast in a feature film based on the best-selling book “Nomadland” by Jessica Bruder. It stars Frances McDormand and David Strathairn and is directed by Chloé Zhao, whose last film “The Rider” cast real people along with seasoned actors.
A Film by John McDonald and Nina Schwanse