The Land Kept Us
Runtime: 27:44When a building tells human stories and answers to the needs of its community, it should be celebrated. The Tygart Hotel located in central Appalachia experienced many transformations over its 100+ years of existence, always trying to meet the community where they are. "The Land Kept Us" depicts a historical hotel's story and the way it has reflected the identity of the people and landscape around it.
Director - Clara Lehmann, Jonathan Lacocque
Clara and Jonathan co-founded the creative studio, Coat of Arms in 2010 and serve as its directors and producers. Coat of Arms works with Fortune 100 and 500 brands and is a Webby, Telly, Emmy, Cannes Lion-awarded studio. The directing team completed their first documentary, Born in a Ballroom, in 2019. Their second documentary, O Pioneer, received a Cinequest Film Festival Audience Award, the Appalachian Studies Association 2024 Jack Spadaro Documentary Award, and the Rome International Jury Award. They wrote and directed the multi-award-winning animated series entitled Lullaby Theories. Their work has played at over 50 film festivals world-wide, including Cannes, Doc Edge, DOC NYC, SXSW, and Tribeca. They live in Helvetia, WV and balance their filmmaking with community service.