Filmmakers Sally Rubin and Ashley York go to Kentucky (from LA) to visit York's family and consider the changes in her attitudes and life since she left for college. York was reared there and clearly loves her family (and they her) despite a huge difference in their world views. Aside from interviewing her family members they also sought input from thinkers and artists from Appalachia, and their input is both informative and moving.
Of course, being filmed in the fall of 2016, the Trump issue is everywhere. Rubin and York try to understand why York's family is, almost without exception, wildly supportive of the Republican ticket despite voting for President Obama previously.
But the best part of the film is its examination of the media treatment of "hillbillies" over the last century or so. The stereotypes presented continue to negatively effect how we see this diffuse area of the country and their millions of residents. From the movie "Deliverance" to TV's "Hee Haw", they are often portrayed as either dangerous or stupid and both.
Other facets addressed include Appalachia's reaction to the rising LGBTQ movement and Black Appalachians. I saw this at the Traverse City Film Festival and both showings were almost immediately sold out. It was indeed one of the best documentaries shown there, winning the Founders Award for Documentary Filmmaking. See it where ever you can.
Of course, being filmed in the fall of 2016, the Trump issue is everywhere. Rubin and York try to understand why York's family is, almost without exception, wildly supportive of the Republican ticket despite voting for President Obama previously.
But the best part of the film is its examination of the media treatment of "hillbillies" over the last century or so. The stereotypes presented continue to negatively effect how we see this diffuse area of the country and their millions of residents. From the movie "Deliverance" to TV's "Hee Haw", they are often portrayed as either dangerous or stupid and both.
Other facets addressed include Appalachia's reaction to the rising LGBTQ movement and Black Appalachians. I saw this at the Traverse City Film Festival and both showings were almost immediately sold out. It was indeed one of the best documentaries shown there, winning the Founders Award for Documentary Filmmaking. See it where ever you can.