 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
October 17 and 18, 2003 - Admission is free
Friday, October 17, at Movies Ten in Nelsonville
Development and the effect of stereotypes as technological change collides with tradition in the Southern mountains in this film, which traces the evolution of the "hillbilly" image through Hollywood films, network news and entertainment shows, dramatic renderings of popular literature, and interviews with contemporary Appalachians. All demonstrate how stereotypes are created, reinforced, and often used to rationalize exploitation.
This film explores the critical assumption and cultural implications of four strategies basic to our nation’s economics: hunting and gathering, subsistence farming, industrialization, and government supported programs.
This documentary explores the ethnic diversity of the Appalachian region, the economic forces causing people to migrate into and out of the area, and the personal choices individual make to stay, to leave, and to return.
Filmmakers from around the world came to Appalachia in the 1960s to document the dire conditions of the region’s poorest residents. Media focused the nation’s attention on economic justice and helped lead to the declaration of the War on Poverty. Striking images of poverty also raised questions about whether media-makers with otherwise good intentions exploited and perpetuated long-held stereotypes of Appalachia.
Jean Andrews and Nick Riehle, producers, Frederick Lewis, consultant
Regionally famous bird-carver, naturalist, and writer Ora Anderson shares an essay about his life in Appalachian Kentucky and Ohio. He tells of the people who have most influenced him during his 90+ years and describes the places he has known as home. Born in a dirt-floor log cabin in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky, Ora has spent the last five decades assisting nature in restoring a depleted 90-acre homestead in Athens, Ohio; its meadows, marshes, ponds, and the wildlife that have returned after a century of subsistence farming.
This video explores the many achievements of Fred Carter, a noted Appalachian primitive visionary artist. We view a world that at first glance looks to be a very simple palette of color. And as we witness his many works in oil, stone, and sculpted wood we discover much of his essence. While sculpting on one of his masterful pieces, Carter describes his artistic vision. He reveals a life that is funny and tragic and his wisdom ultimately is instructive. The documentary soundtrack of narration and interview is deeply enriched with a resonant and eclectic mix of music.
Seven Stories Close to the Heart: reclaiming memories through documentary
From Battered to Beauty, directed Barbara Adams
She dropped out of high school, married a coal miner, and started having babies. By the time she was 19 she had two in diapers. After a divorce she takes up with a man who, after six months of marriage, turns out to be someone she does not know and his abuse makes her fearful for her life. How can she change her life around? Is she stuck in the cycle of violence?
A Place in the Darkness, directed by Jessica Gilbert
In the eyes of a young girl she is surrounded by a happy little family that gives her much love and affection, and when she is five and a half, a baby sister arrives who she has prayed for and grows to adore. But later her parents’ separation brings a sudden end to a harmonious childhood and leaves Jessica confused and frightened. The pain of divorce left her father saddened and out of control. After years of estrangement Jessica is confronted with getting to know her father again. Now she must decide if she and her sister can work hard to re-establish a loving and caring relationship with him.
The Dead Relatives Tour, directed by Jack Green
Sick and languishing on the front lines in the American Civil War. No longer young and able, a sailor on the Eastern Shore of Maryland which his one true love reminded him, so succinctly, that yes, there were other fish in the sea. Why did he give up all of this? What compelled this great-great grandfather to take such a perilous step and leave his home to fight? Now his great-great grandson is on a journey to find out answers to the lost family history.
3-2-1 Blastoff!, directed by John Lewis
Eastern Kentucky is not known for its Soccer players but to this young Ashland team the game was becoming very important. Others from around the state—those urban teams, looked down on these nine year olds and their Jell-O-lemon colored uniforms. This Ashland team slowly came together to try and compete in the state tournament. The game becomes a lot like war as they try to advance in the standings. But surely the boys on this small squad cannot compete with those big city teams across the state, but they will try. The fun is in the game.
Pointer Brand Overalls and Peppermint Candy, directed by Amanda Richie
On a day in February, warm enough to trick the world into believing springtime has come; cars begin arriving at the homeplace hidden in the wilderness of Eastern Kentucky. It is Grandma Nicholas’ 84th birthday. In her lifetime, she has never had a birthday party. But her husband, Olden, has arranged a surprise. This simple surprise birthday party helps spark a stronger relationship within a family drawn apart by time and life’s struggles. But one of the hardest struggles will unfold in these three months.
Home, directed by Katy Sulfridge
Moving is hard. Strong ties hold this family together as they migrate from the hills of Kentucky looking for work in the North. Grandpa tells his story of yearning for home while at the same time raising his family in a new place. Old Kaintuck never does make it all the way South again, but instilled in his children is the value of a homeplace, and more importantly the bonds of family. Katy reveals his story intertwined with hers, here, using many family voices.
The One That Didn't Get Away, directed by Mark Woolwine
To a nine year old boy a fishing trip can be a big adventure especially if your grandfather shows you some of the trade secrets about bait and clear mountain streams. But fishing stories? Aren’t they all lies? In this yarn the young boy will long remember that fishing can often carry a bigger meaning to life than a fish tale.
Saturday, October 18, at Mitchell Auditorium, Seigfred Hall, Ohio University
This film documents an innovative photography project undertaken by school children from eastern Kentucky with the help of photographer/educator Wendy Ewald. It shows the beautiful and startling photographs made by children of their families, friends, animals, and dreams.
Appalachian youth speak out about the coal industry, the educational system, job opportunities, health care availability, politics, and poverty.
The story of a typical young man from Appalachia in the summer after his senior year in high school, who must make the difficult decision faced by many Appalachian youth–whether to stay in the mountains or leave in search of "a better life."
This film takes an inside look at the lives of the women who fry chicken, make pizzas, and flip burgers at four different fast food restaurants in eastern Kentucky. It is a fascinating look at the difficulties of rural economy and the changing roles of women in the American workplace.
This 2003 Black Maria Film and Video Festival "Director’s Citation" award-winner was also screened at the Sundance Film Festival. The geography and heritage of urban Appalachia form the backdrop for this 15 minute short that revolves around a mother-daughter road trip. The mother, a social worker, asks her teenage daughter to accompany her on a quasi-date: a three-hour drive to visit a former inmate on whom she has a crush. At turns helpful and resentful, the daughter comes along, bringing her camera, a friend, and memories of her recently deceased grandmother, who made a far more difficult trip when she journeyed alone from Kentucky to the big city with its factories and time cards.
The original "banjo-pickin’ girl" who led the Coon Creek Girls, the first all-woman string band on radio, Lily May Ledford is a pioneer among women performers. Lily May speaks of growing up in Kentucky and her experiences breaking into show business.
A story of moon shiner Logan Adams and a federal revenue agent, who discuss the history of moon shining, the economic and traditional forces that motivate illegal whisky making, methods agents use to get information, and the law and its penalties. This film is an interesting documentary of the folkways and formation of community values in Appalachia.
This film uses the flea market as a point of departure for a lyrical consideration of rural living and the lost art of barter. It will be of interest to students of grassroots economic systems, rural values, and Appalachian life.
This lyrical video piece, written and narrated by Wendell Berry concerns his feelings about the United States’ standing in the world, after the events surrounding September 11, 2002. It looks at U.S. economic and technologic concerns and leaves the viewer to ask some hard questions about global economy.
Return to Film Symposium
Kennedy Museum of Art // Ohio University
Calendar of Events // Exhibition // Literary Symposium // Film Symposium // Kids & Families // Gallery Talks // Studio Tours // Information