Mode of Program Participation
Performances and Arts
Participation Type
Film
Session Title
Envisioning Our Future: Youth Visions for the Future of Central Appalachia
Session Abstract or Summary
The Appalachian region is in a pivotal moment in its history as the area transitions from coal mining-- an industry that has impacted our communities for over a century. Through a culture of repression, coal corporations have historically limited free expression and closed avenues for civic engagement and democracy. As their economic power fades an opportunity has arisen for Appalachian youth to engage new channels for participation in the political, social and civic structures of their region.
During June & July of 2016, a cohort of youth from across eastern Kentucky gathered at Appalshop’s Appalachian Media Institute to imagine and articulate their desired futures for their home communities through documentary media making.
Youth interns from the 2016 Summer Documentary Institute will lead a screening of their final documentary films-- Justice For All, Not a Daugther, Go Your Own Way, and My Kind of Music, to be followed by a facilitated conversation with youth panelists and a q&a with the audience.
Presentation #1 Title
Envisioning Our Future: Youth Panel on their Desired Futures in Central Appalachia
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
Youth interns from the 2016 Summer Documentary Institute will lead a screening of their final documentary films-- Justice For All, Not a Daugther, Go Your Own Way, and My Kind of Music. Film Descriptions: Justice For All is a documentary film by AMI interns Oliver Baker and Aaron Combs that tells the story of community perceptions of the Black Lives Matter movement in the mountains of eastern Kentucky, shining a light on the realities of racial justice in a rural, predominantly white community. Not a Daughter is a documentary film by AMI peer trainer Oakley Fugate that tells the story of Oliver Baker, a LGBT-Q youth growing up in the mountains of eastern Kentucky. Go Your Own Way is a documentary film by AMI interns Elyssia Lowe, Jaydon Tolliver & Joshua Collier that tells the story of four residents of eastern Kentucky who are pushing towards a new diversified, equitable economy through arts and agriculture. My Kind of Music is a documentary film by AMI intern Eli Bedel that explores the impact that the popularization of old time music has had on the regional style in eastern Kentucky.The screening will be followed by a facilitated conversation with a panel of youth producers on the challenges, opportunities and hopes of youth in central Appalachia. We will also lead a Q&A session and will provide resources and information for youth engagement in AMI + The STAY Project.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Kate Fowler Kate Fowler is a documentary filmmaker and photographer from Richmond, Virginia. She currently serves as the Director of Appalshop’s Appalachian Media Institute. Before joining the Appalshop team, Kate worked for the Magnum Foundation as Program Coordinator of their Photography, Expanded initiative. During her time at Magnum Foundation, Kate co-organized and directed educational programming and events on documentary storytelling at the intersection of social justice and technology, including the third annual Photography, Expanded Symposium at Parsons The New School. Previously, Kate co-directed a series of photography workshops throughout Europe and NYC with the Italian school of photography, Spazio Labo’, and has lectured and co-taught workshops at Columbia’s School of Journalism, Virginia Military Institute and at LOOK3: Festival of the Photograph. She holds a BFA in Photography & Filmmaking from Virginia Commonwealth University.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #2
Oakley Fugate is a documentary and narrative filmmaker from Whitesburg, Kentucky. Oakley has produced several horror films and has worked as an intern and peer trainer with Appalshop's Appalachian Media Institute.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #3
Jaydon Tolliver is a singer, songwriter and documentary filmmaker from Whitesburg, Kentucky. He is currently a student at Letcher County Central Highschool and a member of the JROTC. Jaydon was an intern during the 2016 Summer Documentary Institute at Appalshop.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #4
Oliver Baker is a documentary filmmaker from Whitesburg, Kentucky. He is currently a student of Southeastern Kentucky Community & Technical College. Oliver was an intern during the 2016 Summer Documentary Institute at Appalshop.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #5
Joshua Collier is a documentary filmmaker from eastern Kentucky. Joshua was an intern during the 2016 Summer Documentary Institute at Appalshop.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #6
Elyssia Lowe is a multi media artist from eastern Kentucky. She is currently a student at Morehead State University, where she is majoring in media. Elyssia was an intern during the 2016 Summer Documentary Institute at Appalshop.
Presenter #7
Aaron Combs is a radio DJ for WMMT and a documentary filmmaker from Breathitt County, Kentucky. Aaron was an intern during the 2016 Summer Documentary Institute at Appalshop.
Envisioning Our Future: Youth Panel on their Desired Futures in Central Appalachia
Youth interns from the 2016 Summer Documentary Institute will lead a screening of their final documentary films-- Justice For All, Not a Daugther, Go Your Own Way, and My Kind of Music. Film Descriptions: Justice For All is a documentary film by AMI interns Oliver Baker and Aaron Combs that tells the story of community perceptions of the Black Lives Matter movement in the mountains of eastern Kentucky, shining a light on the realities of racial justice in a rural, predominantly white community. Not a Daughter is a documentary film by AMI peer trainer Oakley Fugate that tells the story of Oliver Baker, a LGBT-Q youth growing up in the mountains of eastern Kentucky. Go Your Own Way is a documentary film by AMI interns Elyssia Lowe, Jaydon Tolliver & Joshua Collier that tells the story of four residents of eastern Kentucky who are pushing towards a new diversified, equitable economy through arts and agriculture. My Kind of Music is a documentary film by AMI intern Eli Bedel that explores the impact that the popularization of old time music has had on the regional style in eastern Kentucky.The screening will be followed by a facilitated conversation with a panel of youth producers on the challenges, opportunities and hopes of youth in central Appalachia. We will also lead a Q&A session and will provide resources and information for youth engagement in AMI + The STAY Project.
