Movies About Appalachia

From Timothy Hall, starring W. Scott Parker III, Linda Donnell, Jeff Wicker, Graham Bowlin

September is a romantic drama about two former high school friends who, after years of being apart, reunite and rediscover the feelings they once had for each other. Ryan, a talented musician, returns to his hometown after years of trying to make it in the music industry, while his former best friend, Nicole, is dealing with a life-changing medical diagnosis. As they reconnect and rekindle their romantic past, they discover a renewed strength and self-awareness that gives them the courage to take on the world. In a time of uncertainty and doubt, September brings hope and a reminder that love can conquer all.

From Star: Ora E. Anderson, starring

A Forest Returns is a documentary film directed by Star that follows the restoration of the ancient redwood forest in California's Humboldt County. The film explores the importance of the redwoods to the local economy, environment, and culture, and follows the efforts of local groups and organizations to restore the forest and its vital ecosystems. Through interviews with local residents, activists, and experts, the film highlights the challenges faced in the restoration process, from funding to logging. It also features stunning footage of the redwoods in their natural state, as well as the efforts of those working to bring the forest back to life. The film celebrates the beauty and importance of the redwoods and demonstrates the power of individuals and communities to protect and restore the environment.

From Michael Cusack O'Connell, starring Judy Bonds, Larry Gibson, Maria Gunnoe, William Mapother

Mountaintop Removal is a documentary film which explores the human and environmental cost of the mining technique known as mountaintop removal. It follows a group of Appalachian citizens whose homes, communities and health are being adversely affected by the practice. Through interviews with a wide range of stakeholders, including miners, activists, religious leaders and medical experts, the film provides an in-depth look into the devastating impacts of mountaintop removal on the region and the people who live there. It also highlights the efforts of those fighting to protect their communities and restore the land, in the face of powerful resistance from the coal industry. Through its powerful narrative and stunning visuals, the documentary ultimately paints a powerful portrait of the Appalachian region and its ongoing struggle for justice.

From Directors: Francine Cavanaugh, Adams Wood, starring Judy Bonds, Debbie Jarrell, Maria Lambert, Bo Webb
Rated Not Rated

On Coal River is a documentary film about the fight of the residents of Coal River Valley, West Virginia, to save their homes, health, and environment from the devastating impacts of mountaintop removal mining. Through interviews with local activists, experts, and coal company officials, the film chronicles the community's struggle to challenge the powerful coal industry and fight for their right to a clean and healthy environment. The film highlights the personal stories of the people affected by mountaintop removal mining and shines a light on the economic and environmental devastation it has caused. Ultimately, the film reveals the power of grassroots activism and the lengths individuals will go to protect their families and communities.

From Dennis Burkley, starring F. Murray Abraham, Alex Albrecht, Peter Barton, Dennis Burkley

Repetition (2005) is a darkly comic film directed by Dennis Burkley. The plot follows the story of two young men, Eric and Nick, who are struggling to make their way in the world. The two men have been best friends since childhood and share a special bond, but their friendship is tested when Eric begins to date Nick's former girlfriend, Sarah. Eric and Nick's rivalry for Sarah's affections results in a series of escalating pranks that ultimately leads to a tragic incident. The film examines the dangers of obsessive behavior and how it can cause irreparable harm. Repetition is a thought-provoking and often humorous look at how our choices can have long-term consequences.

From Michael Kortlander, starring Mike Mihm, Bekka Prewitt, Christopher Wells, Colton Barrackman

The Dying Western is a 2009 documentary film by director Michael Kortlander. The film examines the dwindling of the Western genre of film, as well as its impact on the American culture. It follows the lives of former Western stars and directors, including John Ford and Clint Eastwood, as they discuss the genre's past, present, and future. The film also looks at the role of modern technology and media in the transformation of the genre, as well as its influence on the landscape of American cinema. The film highlights the importance of the Western genre, and its contribution to the development of American culture.

From Giovanni Sanseviero, starring Giovanni Sanseviero, Michael Maldonado, Tony Ryan, Ricardo Valdez

The Empty Building is a 2004 Italian drama from director Giovanni Sanseviero. It tells the story of an old man named Gianni who moves into an abandoned building in the city of Rome. He begins to explore the history of the building and the lives of the people who have lived there, which leads him on a journey of self-discovery. As Gianni learns more about the building, he finds himself connecting with the people who once lived there, and his own past. Through this journey, Gianni is able to gain a greater understanding of his own life, and of life in general.

From Scott C. Jackson, starring Big Mike Griffin, Jason Neese, Monkey Tidwell, Bob Babbitt

Iron City Blues is a poignant story about a young man's struggle to make something of himself in a small decaying industrial town. Set in the fictional town of Iron City, Ohio, the film follows Seth, a 19-year-old who is stuck in a dead-end job and feeling like he's running out of options. After he meets a girl from a nearby college, he decides to take a chance and try to make something of himself. With the support of his family and friends, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery, learning to take responsibility for his life and to make the most of his circumstances. Along the way, he realizes that life in Iron City isn't always what it appears to be and that there are dangers lurking in the shadows of his hometown. In the end, Seth discovers that life can be full of unexpected possibilities and that it is ultimately up to him to make something of himself.

From Rebecca Cerese, starring Jeff Alguire, Alex Feltch, Jeffrey West
Rated Not Rated

Change Comes Knocking: The Story of the North Carolina Fund is a documentary film directed by Rebecca Cerese and released in 2007. The film tells the story of the North Carolina Fund, an initiative launched in 1965 by North Carolina Governor Terry Sanford to tackle the state's pressing social issues. The Fund sought to empower communities and local organizations to find innovative solutions to the poverty, unemployment, and illiteracy that plagued the state. The film follows the story of the Fund, from its establishment to its demise, and features interviews with former North Carolina political leaders, Fund employees, and community members who were profoundly impacted by the initiative. It also highlights the role of the Fund in stimulating economic growth and providing new opportunities for citizens to participate in the democratic process. The film shows the impact of the Fund on the state of North Carolina and serves as a reminder of the power of state-level initiatives to create meaningful change.

From Andrew Fitzgerald, starring Cheryl Aiello, John Bayne, Steven Beckingham, Crystal Bock

Working It Out is a documentary film directed and produced by Andrew Fitzgerald that follows three young adults as they navigate their lives and the challenges of living with autism. The film follows the trio - Austin, Tabitha, and Tyler - as they face an uncertain future, attempting to manage their autism and learn to live independently. Through their stories, the film sheds light on the challenges of living with autism, as well as the challenges of managing expectations from family and society. With the help of family, friends, and mentors, they make progress towards overcoming the challenges they face. Ultimately, the film is a testament to their determination and courage, as well as an inspiration to others living with autism.

From Kim Spurlock, starring Michael Meredith, Christopher Devlin, John Halstead, Valerie Blazek

Down in Number 5 is a 2009 documentary directed by Kim Spurlock. It tells the story of a small, rural Alabama town that is slowly dying. The film follows the people of Number 5, Alabama, as they struggle to keep their community alive and their traditions intact. Through interviews and archival footage, the film traces the town's history and its current state of decline. It also explores the lives of the townspeople, and the impact of recent economic downturns on their lives. The film ultimately paints a portrait of a people and a place that are both resilient and heart-breakingly fragile.

From Kim Spurlock, starring Ellen Berman, Brittany Alexis Palmer, Dmitry Pomirchy, Paulette Rubenstein

Uta is a powerful and moving drama about a young girl's struggles with her identity and her relationships with her family. Set in contemporary Japan, the film follows Uta, a 13-year-old girl who is growing up in a traditional Japanese home. As she begins to explore her identity, her relationships with her mother, father, and brother are put to the test. Through her journey of self-discovery, Uta discovers a strength and resilience within herself that she never knew she had. Along the way, she must learn to balance respect for her family with her own growing sense of self-worth. Ultimately, Uta learns to accept herself for who she is and finds her place in the world.

From Directors: Thomas Henwood, Pirooz Kalayeh, starring Steven Andrew, Jennifer Angela Bishop, Daniel Genalo, Kene Holiday

The Human War is a 2011 documentary film directed by Thomas Henwood and Pirooz Kalayeh. The film follows the stories of three individuals living in conflict-ridden countries, and examines various aspects of global conflict, such as political unrest, terrorism, oppression, and displacement. It also looks at the effects of war on individuals, families, and entire societies. Through interviews with these three individuals, as well as experts in the field, the film offers a unique perspective on the current state of global conflict and its effects. The documentary also sheds light on the struggles of everyday people living in conflict-ridden areas, and on the dire need for peace in the world.

From Tommy Wood, starring Courtney Cole-Fendley, Justin Geer, West Cummings, Jorge Noyola
Rated PG-13

Grilling Bobby Hicks is a 2009 independent comedy-drama directed by Tommy Wood. The film follows the story of Bobby Hicks, an average Joe who has had a hard life. After his mother passes away and he is left with a mountain of debt, Bobby is forced to take a job as a cook in a small-town diner. Despite the odds, Bobby finds a way to make the most of his situation and puts his own unique spin on the diner's food. With an unlikely group of friends, Bobby not only learns to make the best of his situation, but also discovers a new path in life. As Bobby's popularity and fame grow, so does the tension between him and the diner's owner, who is determined to keep Bobby under his thumb. Through humor and heart, Grilling Bobby Hicks explores the power of friendship and the resilience of the human spirit.

From Martha Stephens, starring Kentucker Audley, Will Casse, Karrie Crouse, Jim Johnstone

Passenger Pigeons is a 2010 documentary film directed by Martha Stephens. It follows the story of passenger pigeons, an extinct species of wild pigeon that used to inhabit the majority of North America. The film explores the extinction of this species, which occurred within the span of a few decades. It examines the various environmental and human factors that led to the extinction, such as habitat destruction, overhunting, and other human activities. It also looks at the broader implications of this extinction, such as the loss of biodiversity, and the need for conservation efforts. Through interviews with scientists and historians, the film tells the story of the passenger pigeon and its disappearance.

From Brett Ingram, starring George Bickford, Bruce Bickford, Greg McClellan, Brian Prosser
Rated Not Rated

Monster Road is a 2004 documentary film directed by Brett Ingram. It follows the story of Bruce Baillie, an artist and underground filmmaker who has lived in the small town of Cotati, California, since the 1970s. The film explores Baillie's art, life and struggles, as well as the growing tide of suburbanization in Cotati. We meet Baillie's friends and family and see how his films, which often focus on the natural world, have been influential and inspiring. As Baillie battles personal demons, the film serves as a poignant look at the changing landscape of a small town and how it affects the people who live there.

From Directors: Dale Jackson, Jeffrey Jones, starring Joseph D. Durbin, Karn Ford, Chris McMinn, Jules Watzich

Maxwell Stein is a coming-of-age drama about an idealistic young man's journey to adulthood. When Maxwell Stein (Dane DeHaan) breaks up with his high school sweetheart, he embarks on a quest to discover what is truly important in life. Along the way, he meets an eclectic cast of characters and learns valuable lessons about friendship, loyalty, and love. As Maxwell's search for meaning takes him to the edges of his small town, he finds himself on a path that will lead him to a newfound understanding of himself and the world around him.

From Directors: Ben Sledge, Matt Wheeler, starring Brian Reed, Matt Wheeler, Gary Fleck, Linda Fleck

"Beneath the Mask: Portrait of an American Ninja" (2005) is a documentary film that follows the journey of a young man named Brian who has devoted his life to becoming a ninja. The film explores the history and culture of ninjutsu, as well as Brian's own training and development. Through interviews with other ninjutsu experts, the documentary provides insight into the martial art's philosophy and history. It also follows Brian as he takes part in various competitions and other events, showing the physical and mental rigors of the training. The film ultimately serves as an inspiring portrait of an individual's journey to master a unique discipline.

From JD Evermore, starring Will Atkinson, Jane Rule Burdine, Bruce Butler, Sharon Cave
Rated Not Rated

Glorious Mail is a 2005 made-for-television movie written and directed by JD Evermore. Set in the 1930s Alabama, the movie tells the story of the Griffin family and their struggle to keep their beloved post office open despite the arrival of the Great Depression. With their reluctant postmaster, Lee, the Griffin family fight to keep the post office open not only for their own livelihood, but for the betterment of their small town. Through determination and faith, the Griffins help their community stay connected and uplift their spirits during these trying times. As the story progresses, Lee discovers the importance of family and community, and ultimately finds a renewed sense of purpose in life.

From Directors: Jeremy Veverka, Jesse Veverka, starring Tenzin Choeying, Kunda Dixit, Chalmers Johnson, Rebiya Kadeer
Rated TV-PG

From Jacob Richardson, starring Star: Jacob Richardson

From Xackery Irving, starring Joe Arpaio, Xackery Irving, Daniel Jensen, Douglas Vaxter
Rated Not Rated

From Justin Swibel, starring Josh Podoris, Brian Swibel, Aaron Fall, John Austin

From Directors: A.J. Detisch, Nick Detisch, starring Matt Boland, Jeannie Jenkins, Don Kirsch, Chase Mitchell Klingensmith

From Shira-Lee Shalit, starring Lynn Cohen, Agata Domanska, Eeva Semerdjiev, Judah Shalit
Rated G