Future Generations University
Appalachian Film Series
2024
Future Generations University has an indelible connection to West Virginia and broader Appalachia. The institution was founded and is headquartered in Franklin, West Virginia. The University’s research and outreach division, called Community Engagement, has a strong focus in Appalachia with research practices in syrup production, agroforestry, community economic development, and education across the region. The University’s student body is international, the research impact is global, but our home is the mountaintops of the Monongahela National Forest. The Appalachian Film Series aligns with the University’s commitment to our region and our values. The Series showcases complex aspects of Appalachian culture – inspiration and exploitation of the landscape’s natural beauty; the impact of isolation or poverty; rich craft traditions; the intrepid character embedded across Appalachian communities. Through the lens of film and television, this series creates space to reflect on Appalachia’s history, legacy, and emergence of new paths.
- Appalachian Film Series 2024 Schedule
Click on any film title below to jump to that section.
- January 29, 2024 – Series Announcement
Discover the newest community program presented by Future Generations University: a film series focusing on stories of Appalachia. Learn about the programs and see trailers for the films. The Announcement, and Series, is free and open to the public. We hope you’ll take part in this series with your family and friends this winter.
Appalachian Film Series Announcement
- February 12, 2024 – Wild River (1960)
A young bureaucrat for the Tennessee Valley Authority goes to rural Tennessee to oversee the building of a dam. He encounters opposition from the local people, in particular a farmer who objects to his employment (with pay) of local black laborers. Much of the plot revolves around the eviction of a stubborn octogenarian from her home on an island in the river, and the young man’s love affair with that woman’s widowed granddaughter.
Wild River (1960) Film Trailer
Wild River Panel Discussion
- February 26, 6:00 pm EST – Living in the Future’s Past (2018)
What kind of future do we want to live in? Jeff Bridges presents this beautifully photographed 4K tour de force of original thinking on who we are and the life challenges we face. This film upends our way of thinking and provides original insights into our subconscious motivations, the unintended consequences, and how our fundamental nature influences our future as mankind.
Living in the Future's Past (2018) Film Trailer
Living in the Future's Past Panel Discussion
- March 11 – O Pioneer (2023)
O Pioneer reckons with and redefines the American pioneer. By definition, a pioneer is a leader, a trailblazer, a pathfinder; all of which can sound lofty and unreachable… Too often we leave the solving to others when in reality our own hands can positively impact life’s journey. O Pioneer follows three West Virginians-a blacksmith, a seamstress, and a hospital chaplain-as they creatively navigate hardship. Weaving narration with archival pioneer footage, candid moments from each subject, poetic vignettes, and dream-like animation, O Pioneer asks viewers to courageously champion the pioneer within.
O Pioneer (2023) Film Trailer
O Pioneer Panel Discussion
- March 25 – Foodways of Appalachia
Foodways are folkways. In this program, two chef-led television episodes shot on location are devoted to Appalachian food and culture traditions: Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown, and Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern.
The panel discussion is moderated by Dr. Joey Aloi, assistant professor, program director for Future Generations University Community Engagement: Appalachian Program.
Click here to read more about Joey and his work in environmental philosophy and food education.
Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown: West Virginia (2018)
Bourdain digs deep into the proud, often misunderstood culture of West Virginia, as he traverses a 5,000 foot mine, observes the demolition derby-like sport of rock-bouncing and dines on signature Appalachian dishes.
Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern: West Virginia (2012)
Andrew dons his hunting clothes and loads up his shotgun to get a taste of how people live in the beautiful West Virginia! Andrew finds out that the Mountain State is home to some of the best food nature has to offer, including deer and groundhog.
Foodways of Appalachia Panel Discussion
Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown: West Virginia (2018) Episode Trailer
Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern: West Virginia (2012) Episode Highlights
- April 8 – The Dollmaker (1984)
During World War II, hard-luck farmer Clovis Nevels leaves his rural Kentucky home to take a factory job in bustling Detroit. Reluctantly accompanying Clovis is his long-suffering wife, Gertie, a talented woodcarver set in her traditional ways. When the perils of city life and Clovis’s reckless squandering of money send the Nevels into precarious financial straits, Gertie starts a business making hand-carved dolls in order to provide for her family.O Pioneer reckons with and redefines the American pioneer. By definition, a pioneer is a leader, a trailblazer, a pathfinder; all of which can sound lofty and unreachable… Too often we leave the solving to others when in reality our own hands can positively impact life’s journey. O Pioneer follows three West Virginians-a blacksmith, a seamstress, and a hospital chaplain-as they creatively navigate hardship. Weaving narration with archival pioneer footage, candid moments from each subject, poetic vignettes, and dream-like animation, O Pioneer asks viewers to courageously champion the pioneer within.
The Dollmaker (1984) Film Trailer
The Dollmaker (1984) Panel Discussion
Future Generations University Appalachian Film Series brings together experts on the research faculty and staff, professionals in cinema and storytelling, and Appalachian leaders in the community for moderated panel discussions following each screening. Audience questions and participation is encouraged. Through examining the qualities of Appalachian communities through the lens of film and television, we hope to find experiences that bring community members closer together; highlight University programs and initiatives empowering Appalachian communities; think critically about the region’s role and leadership as an ecological and cultural force in our nation and across the globe.
In planning your own future, you have an opportunity to support a just and equitable future for generations to come. One way to provide for Future Generations in your will is an outright bequest of cash, securities, real estate, or tangible personal property. You may give a specific amount, a percentage of your estate, or a particular piece of real estate or other property.