An Appalshop Afternoon

Runtime: 01:20:00

The Mtn Craft Film Festival presents

An afternoon showcasing films and having conversation with the creators from Appalshop, Kentcali, and, Universe Creative.

In screening order:

Roof Over My Head Madison Buchanan. 2025.

"The Roof Over My Head" explores the hidden crisis of homelessness in Appalachia—where unstable housing often means living in cars, motels, or with friends. Led by filmmaker Madison Buchanan, who has lived this reality, the film amplifies voices too often overlooked, challenging misconceptions and fostering empathy.

This short film lays the groundwork for a longer documentary expanding the narrative, diving deeper into the systemic causes of housing insecurity and the resilience of those affected. Stay tuned for more.

(5 min)  

Full of Wonder: The Art of Angelyn DeBord Ethan Payne. 2021.

“Full of Wonder” is a captivating journey into the heart of Appalachia, where stories blend seamlessly with art. Through the lens of Angelyn DeBord's life, we're transported to a world where magic and reality intertwine. From the tales of Granny's healing powers to childhood dreams of freedom, Angelyn's narrative weaves through the rugged landscape of the Smoky Mountains, revealing the essence of Appalachian culture. With poignant reflections on storytelling, painting, and the wonders of life, this film invites us to embrace the beauty and mystery of the world around us.

(9 min)  

Appalachian Genesis Bill Richardson. 1971. 16 mm Film.

“Appalachian Genesis”, one of the first Appalshop films, was commissioned by the Appalachian Regional Commission to document the state of mind of Appalachian young people in the early 1970s. It presents a vivid picture of the social activism and upheaval that had begun in the 1960s, especially with the War on Poverty. Appalachian youth speak out about the coal industry, the educational system, job opportunities, health care, politics and poverty. The film still resonates today as young people in growing numbers of communities across the country grapple with many of the same structural problems and experiences. (26 min)

APPALHEADS Scott Faris. 2025.

In 1968, Anna Richardson White’s parents were newlyweds living in NYC when her father got a grant through the War on Poverty to spend 6 months in Appalachia teaching young people to make documentaries. Anna’s film, "Appalheads," is about the early days of this nonprofit arts organization, known as Appalshop, which is still alive and well in eastern Kentucky.

(17 min)

Our mission is to enlist the power of education, media, theater, music, and other arts to:

Document, disseminate, and revitalize the lasting traditions and contemporary creativity of Appalachia.

Tell stories the commercial cultural industries don’t tell, challenging stereotypes with Appalachian voices and visions

Support communities’ efforts to achieve justice and equity and solve their own problems in their own ways.

Celebrate cultural diversity as a positive social value.

And participate in regional, national, and global dialogue toward these ends.

Learn more

Meet the Appalshop x APPALHEADS Team

  • Scott Faris

    Writer & Director of APPALHEADS

  • Anna Richardson White

    Producer & EP of APPALHEADS

  • Meg Griffiths

    Producer of APPALHEADS

  • Roger May

    Director of Artistic Programs at Appalshop

  • Aaron Asbury

    Film Program Manager at Appalshop