AMI Film Catalog
FILMS
AMI is currently building a watchable archive of all our youth productions. To view work from past summer institutes and Media Labs select a year from the below list.
To purchase AMI videos email ami@appalshop.org with your request.You can view film information by year or by topic
BY YEAR: 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996, 1995, 1994 BY TOPIC: Women’s Voices: Struggling and Surviving
Mountain Communities – Cherished Traditions
Popular Culture
Mountain Economy – Health – Environment
Telling Appalachian History
Faith – Religion – Visions of God
Coming of Age in the Mountains
Human Canvas
Autumn Campbell, Shiloh Collins, Matt Wynn
Human Canvas explores the personal significance of people’s tattoos in Eastern Kentucky. While tattoos can be controversial, Human Canvas shows that many people see tattoos as a way to express themselves or preserve meaningful memories.
Zero Tolerance
Tommy Anderson, T.J. Caudill, Heather Niece
Zero Tolerance follows the stories of three youth: one from Letcher County, KY who puts up a poster deemed offensive by school officials, and two from Boyd County, KY who try to start a Gay Straight Alliance at their high school. All three students end up being expelled from or dropping out of school. Zero Tolerance uses these examples to determine how free expression in schools and a “zero tolerance” policy can coexist.
Every Six Days: The Truth about Teenage Pregnancy
Rachel Chaney, Amber Watts
Although teenage parents are often stigmatized,
Every Six Days interviews several new, soon-to-be, and former teen moms and dads who care deeply about their and their childrens’ futures. The teen parents in the film also reveal how challenging parenting can be, and how their lives are forever changed with the birth of their babies.
The Defendant - Watch Clip
10 minutes. Keith Cook
This video documents the experience of a young man who is arrested for burglary and too poor to afford adequate legal representation. Overwhelmed by an unfamiliar system and unable to retain a private lawyer the defendant, Elihue Mullins, reluctantly pleads guilty in order to reach a plea bargain. The Defendant questions whether justice can ever be achieved for the poor within the criminal justice system.
Dad - Watch Clip
6 minutes. April Brown
In this personal and impressionistic piece April Brown reflects on her father’s relationship to the GMC truck he rebuilt from scrap as his health deteriorates from an unknown disease.
Cousin Rabbit - Watch Clip
12 minutes. Dakota Brock, Machlyn Blair
Rabbit, a self-taught local painter and retired coalminer, invites you into his world of long nights, copious amounts of coffee cups, and the personal tolls of his creative process. Rabbit shares his philosophy on life and art, and how just about anyone can be an artist as long as they are true to their own vision.
Banjo Pickin’ Girl
13 minutes. Machlyn Blair, Stacie Sexton, Halley Watts
Featuring the story of a young woman from eastern Kentucky who struggles with the death of her father and the pressure of carrying forward the old time musical legacy and traditions of her family.
Nobody Sees Me
17 minutes. Amanda Allen, Kristy Hall, Brittany Holcomb
Nobody Sees Me explores the issue of suicide in eastern Kentucky. A young man who himself once seriously considered suicide highlights the importance of supportive family and friends in building a healthy community. Through conversations with young people this piece connects the increasing suicide rate in the region with the region’s historical economic problems of chronic poverty and high unemployment rates.
Castle of the Mountains: The Carcassonne Community Center
17 minutes. Matthew Baily, T.J. Boggs, Chasity Watts
Beginning with this small Kentucky community’s nominal relationship to the French castle-dotted city of Carcassone, this video documents the history and legacy of the Carcasonne Community Center. The unique and vibrant center in this mountain community continues to bring young and old people together through it’s monthly square dances, quilt-making club and other recreational activities. (2004)
Struggling to Survive
15 minutes. Dana R. Hall and Ashley Potter
Struggling to Survive documents how many workers in eastern Kentucky struggle to make a living on minimum to low wage incomes. The piece highlights the efforts of a Letcher County, Kentucky judge executive to institute a base living wage of $7.50 an hour for all workers.
Old Ways…holdin’ on
15 minutes. Chris Archer and Mary Profitt
Old Ways…holdin’ on explores our increasing reliance on consumer culture in the mountains and the impact that it has had on passing what were once considered strong self sufficiency traditions in eastern Kentucky, such as gardening, canning, and raising livestock.
A Devil’s Bargain: The Robinson Dilemma
15 minutes. Cody Sexton
This video highlights a current controversy around the University of Kentucky sponsored Robinson Scholars program for eastern Kentucky youth and a proposal to open up the protected Robinson Forest for mining to fund the program.
Mountain Ride: ATVs, Stripmining, and Safety in Eastern Kentucky
12 minutes. Natasha Watts and Ryan Phillips
Mountain Ride examines the growing popularity of four-wheeling in rural eastern Kentucky as a form of family entertainment. The piece places these stories against the background of an explosion of severe accidents associated with both on-road and off-road use of ATVs, including accidents that occur because of the common practice of riding in areas that have been stripmined by coal companies.
Searching for an Appalachian Accent - Watch Clip
17 minutes. Charity Quillen and Kelli Caudill
Searching for an Appalachian Accent explores how traditional culture and ways of speaking have been stigmatized both by people from eastern Kentucky who feel compelled to drop their accent and by those from outside the region who don’t question stereotypes about hillbillies.
Youth Bored: Uniting Appalachian Youth
17 minutes. Janis Campbell and Ben Spangler
Youth Bored documents the history and impact of a youth-initiated arts project in Whitesburg, Kentucky. Through the organization of a performance venue, concert series and a program of media arts workshops, teens in rural eastern Kentucky have developed opportunities for local youth to engage in creative entertainment and community involvement through art and music. The piece integrates original music and concert footage from local youth bands’ performances with interviews of the youth organizers.
Without a Cause: Sickness in the Community of Eolia, Ky - Watch Clip
16 minutes. Kraven Cook, Noel Davis, Manual Vanderpool
Without a Cause investigates the unexplained and unusually high incidence of serious illness within the small and seemingly peaceful mountain community of Eolia, Kentucky. Residents speak about what its like to have a sickness no one can name as well as the quietly agreed upon but not officially acknowledged notion that these diseases are rooted in environmental pollution.
Because of Oxycontin
13 minutes. Anna Bentley, Faith Colwell, Jessica Williams, James Pigman
Produced in part as a response to national media coverage of so-called “hillbilly heroin,” Because of Oxycontin focuses on the stories of people from the mountains of southwest Virginia and eastern Kentucky whose lives have been devastated by the misuse of the prescription painkiller Oxycontin. Former addicts speak candidly in a raw testament to the pain of drug abuse and recovery.
Praise Ye the Lord
16 minutes. Thomasha Adams, Brandy Caudill, Andrew Smith
Praise Ye the Lord examines the views of young people from Kentucky and Mississippi on the role religion plays in their lives. Both dedicated church-goers and the less devout talk about what gets them in the doors of the church and what happens once they are inside.
A Hero’s Welcome: Vietnam Vets Return Home to the Mountains - Watch Clip
17 minutes Thomasha Adams, Justin Chandler, Travis Couch, Elizabeth Shepherd
This piece chronicles the experience of men from eastern Kentucky who fought in Vietnam and returned to the mountains to find challenging emotional and economic situations. The video reveals both these men’s feelings of abandonment by their government and their fellow Americans, and the power of gathering with other vets to develop pride in themselves and their service for their country.
Blood Stained Coal: The Scotia Mine Disaster
- Watch Clip
12 minutes. James Pigman, Jeremy Roberts, Natasha Watts
Blood Stained Coal tells the story of the 1976 Scotia Mine Disaster-the result of an explosion directly related to unsafe working conditions. Through poignant interviews with rescue workers and with friends and family members of the 15 miners killed in the explosion, this documentary explores the personal and political impacts of the disaster.
Reaching for Higher Ground: Youth Activism in the Mountains - Watch Clip
16 minutes. Dallas Adams, Danielle Burke, Kraven Cook, and Nicole Shepherd
Through interviews with activist youth and the adults with whom they work, this video documents the power and practice of youth involvement in eastern Kentucky Communities. The piece culminates in the story of a group of young people who travel to the state capital to implore regulation officials to stop a mining permit that would effectively destroy their community’s last remaining water source.
Tragedy at Johnson Fork
17 minutes. Chrystal Adams, Jeff Cantrell, Ashley Farley, Brandon McKnight
As coal reserves in eastern Kentucky continue to dwindle, mountaintop removal stripmining has increased. Blasting associated with this dramatic form of mineral extraction is occurring nearer and nearer to people’s homes. This piece documents as community’s repeated attempts to hold offending coal companies and state mining officials accountable for damages to their property—server damages such as cracked foundations, sunken wells, and polluted non-potable water.Sankofa: Backtracking the Underground Railroad in Appalachia
12 minutes. Becky Borgerding, David Harmon, Nirasha Holcomb, Trevor Pollard
Through interviews with scholars and museum curators, Sankofa explores the presence of the underground railroad in northwestern Kentucky. The spirit behind “sankofa,” an Ankan word meaning “we must go back and reclaim our past so we can move forward,” guides the presentation of this part of Kentucky history.Through Their Eyes: Stories of Gays and Lesbians in the Mountains
14 minutes. Larry Crutcher, Jessica Field, Kenneth Hall, Tracy Holbrook
The significance of family, community, and supportive relationships for gays and lesbians who live in rural Kentucky are highlighted in this rare discussions of life experiences in the region. The video explores the tensions between remaining connected to family and community roots while also remaining true to one’s sexual identity.
Black and Blue
16 minutes. Chastity Harris, Samantha Oakes, Kyle Salyers, Rhonda Thacker
A powerful piece focusing on the experiences of domestic violence survivors. Black and Blue explores the patterns and cycles that these women have survived, including the effects of physical and emotional abuse and the motivation for, and difficulty of leaving those relationships. Moving interviews intertwine with wrenching photographs and statistics, making this video deeply emotional.A Thief in the Night
16 minutes. Adam Allison, Danielle Burke, Misty Smith, Amanda Stephens
A Thief in the Night takes a look at the religious experience of a group of people in the mountains who believe in the rapture—the notion that Christ’s second coming is near. They hold that this will culminate in the dramatic end of the world in which saved believers will be swept into heaven while nonbelievers languish in the fiery aftermath.Colorblind
14 minutes. Heather Harris, Brooke Hudson, Jeffery Raglin, Kelly Ward
Eastern Kentucky is largely racially homogenous, with African Americans comprising less than one percent of the population in most counties. This video explores the experience of couples who cross the color line. They discuss their relationship with each other, their children and the prejudices they experiences. The video also includes interviews with individuals opposed to interracial relationships and explores their justifications for these beliefs.
New Woman Blues
14 minutes. Larry Crutcher, Jessica Field, Kenneth Hall, Tracy Holbrook
This video examines the role of women in the workforce as the economy of eastern Kentucky moves away from dependence on the coal industry. Thousands of miners have lost their jobs in the past decade, and women are increasingly relied upon as the main economic providers for their families. In this film, a cashier, an office assistant, a nurse, and a cake designer discuss their jobs, their families, and the personal sacrifices they have endured.Digging for a Living
15 minutes. Linda Burgen, Jeremy Bussey, Chastity Harris, Mathew Pritchard
Through interviews with laid off miners, Digging for a Living explores what happens to communities and individuals as the mining industry drastically reduces the level of its operations. Unemployed miners discuss the difficulties of a lowered standard of living, answering to their families’ economic expectations and the emotional difficulties of unemployment. The interviews reveal the east Kentucky coalfields economic dependence of the mining industry and the results when the industry withdraws its support.Against the Wind
20 minutes. Kristi Johnson, Jason Mills, Amanda Scott
In an attempt to demystify the popular perceptions of motorcycle gangs, Against the Wind explores the positive impact biking has on people’s lives, including women’s involvement, charity work, and Christian evangelizing. In particular, the video focuses on bikers for Christ and their efforts to promote Christian fellowship among motorcycle enthusiasts.
Signs and Wonders
15 minutes. Lacey Hollifield, Zohira Hutton, Elliot Vanhoose
Appalachian women talk about how their lives have been affected by their religious and personal visions in relationship to their Christian faith. Through vivid descriptions of dreams and prophecies that came true, the video explores the implications these visions had on their lives and the power and importance of belief and faith to these women.
Those Who Believe
20 minutes. Ethan Martin, Derek Mullins, Leslie Shocky
For some Pentecostal holiness churches it is a sign of true faith and calling to be able to handle poisonous snakes. Through interviews with snake handlers in eastern Kentucky this video explores their steadfast belief that they are answering the call of god. The film also addresses outsider’s perceptions of this practice and the church members’ response to criticism.Just Taking’ a Chance
20 minutes. Linda Burgan, Shane Gamble, Matthew Hagan
Over the past few years, eastern Kentucky has witnessed a rise in the popularity of bingo as a pastime and hobby. This film explores the passion for bingo in eastern Kentucky. Interviews with active participants describe different motivations for playing, from social fellowship to the thrill of winning.Gone But Not Lost
20 minutes. Brandon Griffith, Kenneth Hall, Amanda Scott
The lives and deaths of two eastern Kentucky high school students killed in car crashes are explored through the lens of the grieving families and friends left behind. The families discuss their feelings of loss and grief, and they ways they have found to go on with their lives, and how these young people live on in memory. The film explores the importance of the community’s response and support during the grieving process.
Pickin’ Willie
20 minutes. Kendra Cornett, Benjamin Crum, Emmitt Hamilton, Melissa Moore
Bill Isaacs Jr., a charismatic local musician, known as “little Willie,” discusses his experiences and influences as a traveling performer. Little Willie’s repertoire ranges from hard-driving, guitar based rock and foot-stomping honky-tonk, to heartfelt gospel songs and tender ballads. His unique and enthusiastic descriptions of his experiences provide a fascinating portrait of a contemporary Appalachian performer.Fire in a Jar
15 minutes. Casey Castle, Dwayne Goble, Misty Humphrey
Fire in a Jar is a colorful examination of moonshine making in Appalachia. Interviews with traditional mountain whiskeymakers, including legendary banjo player Lee Sexton, reveal the process of stilling moonshine and the risks and rewards that go along with the officially forbidden practice.Trials, Troubles, and Tribulations
20 minutes. Mathew Dillon, Seth Ferguson, Michelle Howard, David Sturgill
An examination of the legends surrounding the murder and hangings of Bad Tom Smith and Floyd Frazier. The film uses interviews with reporters, historians, and descendants of both murderers and victims to create a portrait of local heritage. The lingering prominence of the murders in the lore of the community inspired this haunting historical portrait of two eastern Kentucky communities.Skate at Your Own Risk
20 minutes. Stephany Lewis, Paul Johnson, Ronnie Futz
A stark point in a young eastern Kentucky man’s life painted through interviews with him and friend from a local skating rink. Discussing the hardships he has experienced, including the death of his father at age nine, an alcoholic mother and his upbringing in foster homes, he explains how these experiences have affected his outlook on life. He speaks about school, family, friends, and how he gets through the day. He emphasizes how roller skating helps him get through tough times.
McRoberts: Eastern Kentucky Coal Camp
20 minutes. Ballard Baker, Rebecca Hundley, David Sturgill, Aaron Tharp
Residents of an eastern Kentucky Coal Camp remember the history of the town discuss the town’s present and future in an era of economic decline. Through interviews and archival footage, McRoberts is remembered as a clean, bustling, orderly town that promoted racial equality and neighborliness. With the closing of the mines, the town faces a decline in population and economic desperation, but maintains a sense of pride and unity.Taking Care of Our Own
12 minutes. Chad Bentley, Kendra Cornett, Dwight Harvey, Paul Johnson
Taking Care of Our Own examines the care of the elderly in eastern Kentucky. Through interviews with elderly people and health care providers this video traces the history and development of elderly care, from the homes of family members to nursing homes. This pieces also carefully analyzes why the elderly in eastern Kentucky are more likely to live with a family member than to be placed in a nursing home.
Sacred Vows
20 minutes. Daniel Lee Couch, Cassie Mullins, Keith Patrick
Older couples talk about their marriages, reminisce about their courtships and share how they have managed to make their marriages work in the face of economic, national and personal changes. A touching testament to the power and bond of love, this piece includes Appalachian notable Verna Mae Slone, who offers a poetic description of love: “love is shaped just like a lizard. It twirls its tail around your head and nibbles at your gizzard.”
Black and Blue
1998
16 minutes. Chastity Harris, Samantha Oakes, Kyle Salyers, Rhonda Thacker
A powerful piece focusing on the experiences of domestic violence survivors. Black and Blue explores the patterns and cycles that these women have survived, including the effects of physical and emotional abuse and the motivation for, and difficulty of leaving those relationships. Moving interviews intertwine with wrenching photographs and statistics, making this video deeply emotional.
New Woman Blues
14 minutes. Larry Crutcher, Jessica Field, Kenneth Hall, Tracy Holbrook
This video examines the role of women in the workforce as the economy of eastern Kentucky moves away from dependence on the coal industry. Thousands of miners have lost their jobs in the past decade, and women are increasingly relied upon as the main economic providers for their families. In this film, a cashier, an office assistant, a nurse, and a cake designer discuss their jobs, their families, and the personal sacrifices they have endured.
Searching for an Appalachian Accent
2002
17 minutes. Charity Quillen and Kelli Caudill
Searching for an Appalachian Accent explores how traditional culture and ways of speaking have been stigmatized both by people from eastern Kentucky who feel compelled to drop their accent and by those from outside the region who don’t question stereotypes about hillbillies.
Banjo Pickin’ Girl
2004
13 minutes. Machlyn Blair, Stacie Sexton, Halley Watts
Featuring the story of a young woman from eastern Kentucky who struggles with the death of her father and the pressure of carrying forward the old time musical legacy and traditions of her family.Fire in a Jar
1995
15 minutes. Casey Castle, Dwayne Goble, Misty Humphrey
Fire in a Jar is a colorful examination of moonshine making in Appalachia. Interviews with traditional mountain whiskeymakers, including legendary banjo player Lee Sexton, reveal the process of stilling moonshine and the risks and rewards that go along with the officially forbidden practice.
Taking Care of Our Own
1994
12 minutes. Chad Bentley, Kendra Cornett, Dwight Harvey, Paul Johnson
Taking Care of Our Own examines the care of the elderly in eastern Kentucky. Through interviews with elderly people and health care providers this video traces the history and development of elderly care, from the homes of family members to nursing homes. This pieces also carefully analyzes why the elderly in eastern Kentucky are more likely to live with a family member than to be placed in a nursing home.
Sacred Vows
1994
20 minutes. Daniel Lee Couch, Cassie Mullins, Keith Patrick
Older couples talk about their marriages, reminisce about their courtships and share how they have managed to make their marriages work in the face of economic, national and personal changes. A touching testament to the power and bond of love, this piece includes Appalachian notable Verna Mae Slone, who offers a poetic description of love: “love is shaped just like a lizard. It twirls its tail around your head and nibbles at your gizzard.”
Castle of the Mountains: The Carcassonne Community Center
2004
17 minutes. Matthew Baily, T.J. Boggs, Chasity Watts
Beginning with this small Kentucky community’s nominal relationship to the French castle-dotted city of Carcassone, this video documents the history and legacy of the Carcasonne Community Center. The unique and vibrant center in this mountain community continues to bring young and old people together through it’s monthly square dances, quilt-making club and other recreational activities. (2004)
Old Ways…holdin’ on
2003
15 minutes. Chris Archer and Mary Profitt
Old Ways…holdin’ on explores our increasing reliance on consumer culture in the mountains and the impact that it has had on passing what were once considered strong self sufficiency traditions in eastern Kentucky, such as gardening, canning, and raising livestock.
Without a Cause: Sickness in the Community of Eolia, Ky
2001
16 minutes. Kraven Cook, Noel Davis, Manual Vanderpool
Without a Cause investigates the unexplained and unusually high incidence of serious illness within the small and seemingly peaceful mountain community of Eolia, Kentucky. Residents speak about what its like to have a sickness no one can name as well as the quietly agreed upon but not officially acknowledged notion that these diseases are rooted in environmental pollution.
Because of Oxycontin
2001
13 minutes. Anna Bentley, Faith Colwell, Jessica Williams, James Pigman
Produced in part as a response to national media coverage of so-called “hillbilly heroin,” Because of Oxycontin focuses on the stories of people from the mountains of southwest Virginia and eastern Kentucky whose lives have been devastated by the misuse of the prescription painkiller Oxycontin. Former addicts speak candidly in a raw testament to the pain of drug abuse and recovery.
Mountain Ride: ATVs, Stripmining, and Safety in Eastern Kentucky
2002
12 minutes. Natasha Watts and Ryan Phillips
Mountain Ride examines the growing popularity of four-wheeling in rural eastern Kentucky as a form of family entertainment. The piece places these stories against the background of an explosion of severe accidents associated with both on-road and off-road use of ATVs, including accidents that occur because of the common practice of riding in areas that have been stripmined by coal companies.A Devil’s Bargain: The Robinson Dilemma
2003
15 minutes. Cody Sexton
This video highlights a current controversy around the University of Kentucky sponsored Robinson Scholars program for eastern Kentucky youth and a proposal to open up the protected Robinson Forest for mining to fund the program.
The Defendant
2005
10 minutes. Keith Cook
This video documents the experience of a young man who is arrested for burglary and too poor to afford adequate legal representation. Overwhelmed by an unfamiliar system and unable to retain a private lawyer the defendant, Elihue Mullins, reluctantly pleads guilty in order to reach a plea bargain. The Defendant questions whether justice can ever be achieved for the poor within the criminal justice system.
Struggling to Survive
2003
15 minutes. Dana R. Hall and Ashley Potter
Struggling to Survive documents how many workers in eastern Kentucky struggle to make a living on minimum to low wage incomes. The piece highlights the efforts of a Letcher County, Kentucky judge executive to institute a base living wage of $7.50 an hour for all workers.
Tragedy at Johnson Fork
1999
17 minutes. Chrystal Adams, Jeff Cantrell, Ashley Farley, Brandon McKnight
As coal reserves in eastern Kentucky continue to dwindle, mountaintop removal stripmining has increased. Blasting associated with this dramatic form of mineral extraction is occurring nearer and nearer to people’s homes. This piece documents as community’s repeated attempts to hold offending coal companies and state mining officials accountable for damages to their property—server damages such as cracked foundations, sunken wells, and polluted non-potable water.Digging for a Living
1997
15 minutes. Linda Burgen, Jeremy Bussey, Chastity Harris, Mathew Pritchard
Through interviews with laid off miners, Digging for a Living explores what happens to communities and individuals as the mining industry drastically reduces the level of its operations. Unemployed miners discuss the difficulties of a lowered standard of living, answering to their families’ economic expectations and the emotional difficulties of unemployment. The interviews reveal the east Kentucky coalfields economic dependence of the mining industry and the results when the industry withdraws its support.
Cousin Rabbit
2005
12 minutes. Dakota Brock, Machlyn Blair
Rabbit, a self-taught local painter and retired coalminer, invites you into his world of long nights, copious amounts of coffee cups, and the personal tolls of his creative process. Rabbit shares his philosophy on life and art, and how just about anyone can be an artist as long as they are true to their own vision.Just Taking’ a Chance
1996
20 minutes. Linda Burgan, Shane Gamble, Matthew Hagan
Over the past few years, eastern Kentucky has witnessed a rise in the popularity of bingo as a pastime and hobby. This film explores the passion for bingo in eastern Kentucky. Interviews with active participants describe different motivations for playing, from social fellowship to the thrill of winning.Pickin’ Willie
1995
20 minutes. Kendra Cornett, Benjamin Crum, Emmitt Hamilton, Melissa Moore
Bill Isaacs Jr., a charismatic local musician, known as “little Willie,” discusses his experiences and influences as a traveling performer. Little Willie’s repertoire ranges from hard-driving, guitar based rock and foot-stomping honky-tonk, to heartfelt gospel songs and tender ballads. His unique and enthusiastic descriptions of his experiences provide a fascinating portrait of a contemporary Appalachian performer.
A Hero’s Welcome: Vietnam Vets Return Home to the Mountains
2000
17 minutes. Thomasha Adams, Justin Chandler, Travis Couch, Elizabeth Shepherd
This piece chronicles the experience of men from eastern Kentucky who fought in Vietnam and returned to the mountains to find challenging emotional and economic situations. The video reveals both these men’s feelings of abandonment by their government and their fellow Americans, and the power of gathering with other vets to develop pride in themselves and their service for their country.
Blood Stained Coal: The Scotia Mine Disaster
2000
12 minutes. James Pigman, Jeremy Roberts, Natasha Watts
Blood Stained Coal tells the story of the 1976 Scotia Mine Disaster-the result of an explosion directly related to unsafe working conditions. Through poignant interviews with rescue workers and with friends and family members of the 15 miners killed in the explosion, this documentary explores the personal and political impacts of the disaster.
Sankofa: Backtracking the Underground Railroad in Appalachia
1999
12 minutes. Becky Borgerding, David Harmon, Nirasha Holcomb, Trevor Pollard
Through interviews with scholars and museum curators, Sankofa explores the presence of the underground railroad in northwestern Kentucky. The spirit behind “sankofa,” an Ankan word meaning “we must go back and reclaim our past so we can move forward,” guides the presentation of this part of Kentucky history.Trials, Troubles, and Tribulations
1995
20 minutes. Mathew Dillon, Seth Ferguson, Michelle Howard, David Sturgill
An examination of the legends surrounding the murder and hangings of Bad Tom Smith and Floyd Frazier. The film uses interviews with reporters, historians, and descendants of both murderers and victims to create a portrait of local heritage. The lingering prominence of the murders in the lore of the community inspired this haunting historical portrait of two eastern Kentucky communities.
McRoberts: Eastern Kentucky Coal Camp
1994
20 minutes. Ballard Baker, Rebecca Hundley, David Sturgill, Aaron Tharp
Residents of an eastern Kentucky Coal Camp remember the history of the town discuss the town’s present and future in an era of economic decline. Through interviews and archival footage, McRoberts is remembered as a clean, bustling, orderly town that promoted racial equality and neighborliness. With the closing of the mines, the town faces a decline in population and economic desperation, but maintains a sense of pride and unity.
Praise Ye the Lord
2001
16 minutes. Thomasha Adams, Brandy Caudill, Andrew Smith
Praise Ye the Lord examines the views of young people from Kentucky and Mississippi on the role religion plays in their lives. Both dedicated church-goers and the less devout talk about what gets them in the doors of the church and what happens once they are inside.
Against the Wind
1997
20 minutes. Kristi Johnson, Jason Mills, Amanda Scott
In an attempt to demystify the popular perceptions of motorcycle gangs, Against the Wind explores the positive impact biking has on people’s lives, including women’s involvement, charity work, and Christian evangelizing. In particular, the video focuses on bikers for Christ and their efforts to promote Christian fellowship among motorcycle enthusiasts.
Signs and Wonders
1996
15 minutes. Lacey Hollifield, Zohira Hutton, Elliot Vanhoose
Appalachian women talk about how their lives have been affected by their religious and personal visions in relationship to their Christian faith. Through vivid descriptions of dreams and prophecies that came true, the video explores the implications these visions had on their lives and the power and importance of belief and faith to these women.
Those Who Believe
1996
20 minutes. Ethan Martin, Derek Mullins, Leslie Shocky
For some Pentecostal holiness churches it is a sign of true faith and calling to be able to handle poisonous snakes. Through interviews with snake handlers in eastern Kentucky this video explores their steadfast belief that they are answering the call of god. The film also addresses outsider’s perceptions of this practice and the church members’ response to criticism.
A Thief in the Night
1998
16 minutes. Adam Allison, Danielle Burke, Misty Smith, Amanda Stephens
A Thief in the Night takes a look at the religious experience of a group of people in the mountains who believe in the rapture—the notion that Christ’s second coming is near. They hold that this will culminate in the dramatic end of the world in which saved believers will be swept into heaven while nonbelievers languish in the fiery aftermath.
Reaching for Higher Ground: Youth Activism in the Mountains
2000
16 minutes. Dallas Adams, Danielle Burke, Kraven Cook, and Nicole Shepherd
Through interviews with activist youth and the adults with whom they work, this video documents the power and practice of youth involvement in eastern Kentucky Communities. The piece culminates in the story of a group of young people who travel to the state capital to implore regulation officials to stop a mining permit that would effectively destroy their community’s last remaining water source.
Nobody Sees Me
2004
17 minutes. Amanda Allen, Kristy Hall, Brittany Holcomb
Nobody Sees Me explores the issue of suicide in eastern Kentucky. A young man who himself once seriously considered suicide highlights the importance of supportive family and friends in building a healthy community. Through conversations with young people this piece connects the increasing suicide rate in the region with the region’s historical economic problems of chronic poverty and high unemployment rates.
Dad
2005
6 minutes. April Brown
In this personal and impressionistic piece April Brown reflects on her father’s relationship to the GMC truck he rebuilt from scrap as his health deteriorates from an unknown disease.
Through Their Eyes: Stories of Gays and Lesbians in the Mountains
1999
14 minutes. Larry Crutcher, Jessica Field, Kenneth Hall, Tracy Holbrook
The significance of family, community, and supportive relationships for gays and lesbians who live in rural Kentucky are highlighted in this rare discussions of life experiences in the region. The video explores the tensions between remaining connected to family and community roots while also remaining true to one’s sexual identity.Youth Bored: Uniting Appalachian Youth
2002
17 minutes. Janis Campbell and Ben Spangler
Youth Bored documents the history and impact of a youth-initiated arts project in Whitesburg, Kentucky. Through the organization of a performance venue, concert series and a program of media arts workshops, teens in rural eastern Kentucky have developed opportunities for local youth to engage in creative entertainment and community involvement through art and music. The piece integrates original music and concert footage from local youth bands’ performances with interviews of the youth organizers.
Colorblind
1998
14 minutes. Heather Harris, Brooke Hudson, Jeffery Raglin, Kelly Ward
Eastern Kentucky is largely racially homogenous, with African Americans comprising less than one percent of the population in most counties. This video explores the experience of couples who cross the color line. They discuss their relationship with each other, their children and the prejudices they experiences. The video also includes interviews with individuals opposed to interracial relationships and explores their justifications for these beliefs.
Gone But Not Lost
1996
20 minutes. Brandon Griffith, Kenneth Hall, Amanda Scott
The lives and deaths of two eastern Kentucky high school students killed in car crashes are explored through the lens of the grieving families and friends left behind. The families discuss their feelings of loss and grief, and they ways they have found to go on with their lives, and how these young people live on in memory. The film explores the importance of the community’s response and support during the grieving process.Skate at Your Own Risk
1995
20 minutes. Stephany Lewis, Paul Johnson, Ronnie Futz
A stark point in a young eastern Kentucky man’s life painted through interviews with him and friend from a local skating rink. Discussing the hardships he has experienced, including the death of his father at age nine, an alcoholic mother and his upbringing in foster homes, he explains how these experiences have affected his outlook on life. He speaks about school, family, friends, and how he gets through the day. He emphasizes how roller skating helps him get through tough times.
