SOAPIFF

Posted 10/22/10

Appalshop Films Featured at the Southern Appalachian Independent Film Festival in Kingsport, TN October 28, 30 and 31.

Thursday October 28 6:25 pm at the Kingsport Renaissance Center

The Electricity Fairy directed by Tom Hansell 2010, 52 minutes

Coal produces half of America’s electricity, according to the Federal Department of Energy.  The energy policy currently before Congress identifies coal as a key to America’s "energy independence.”  The Electricity Fairy is a documentary that examines America's national addiction to fossil fuels through the lens of electricity.  Appalshop Filmmaker Tom Hansell follows the story of a proposed coal-fired power plant in the mountains of southwest Virginia, connecting the local controversy to the national debate over energy policy.  Present day documentary footage is remixed with old educational films, connecting past policy to America's current energy crisis.

Saturday, October 30 at 10 am in the Kingsport Public Library

Three youth produced films from Appalshop’s Appalachian Media Institute:

Searching for an Appalachian Accent by Charity Quillen and Kelli Caudill 2002, 17 minutes

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.

Mayfield by Jake Sexton, Brittany Mullins, Ashleigh Johnson, and Keyana Polly 2009, 12 minutes

Former professional boxer Mayfield Pennington returns home to Pikeville, Kentucky and finds that it's youth is in serious need for a positive outlet. With the help of the community, Mayfield raises the funds to provide a creative alternative to keeping the local kids off the streets and away from drugs in this central Appalachian city.

Gathering Akin by Cecily Howell, Steven Hall, Cheyenne Thomas, and Barry Jensen 2010, 14 minutes

Though every collector is different, they share one commonality which is passion. Gathering Akin looks into the lives of three unique individuals, their beloved collections, and why these collections are so important to preserving the our cultural and heritage.

Sunday, October 31 at 4pm in the Kingsport Public Library

From Wood to Singing Guitar directed by Shawn Lind, 2009 32 minutes

Nestled near the foot of Mount Rogers is the small town of Rugby, Virginia.  It is here that one can find the home and workshop of Wayne C. Henderson, the master musician and master luthier who has made guitars for the likes of Doc Watson and Eric Clapton.  Wayne was generously taught and encouraged by those around him. Learning much more than just guitar building and playing, Wayne continues to do the same for the younger generations.

For more details, including directions, go to http://www.soapiff.com/