On Thursday, August 3, I stopped by City Hall to check in with the organizers at the Foundry Theater as they prepare for the Appalachian Film Festival. Ian Nolte, Rachel Allinder, and Nick Graybeal were testing the audio levels on the new sound system. HNN covered the dramatic arrival of Foundry’s new massive movie screen back in April: https://huntingtonnewsnetwork.com/?p=856
“It’s Wonderful”
A brief interview with Rachel Allinder:
RACHEL ALLINDER: Hey everybody, my name is Rachel Allinder. I am the CEO. Of Foundry Theater and the co-director of the Appalachian Film Festival 2023.
ERIKA LAWSON, HNN: So, this year the big feature film is King Coal. What made Foundry decide that it should be a showcased film?
ALLINDER: It is a beautiful film. Elaine McMillion Sheldon, the filmmaker, is an Appalachian. She is just very a true to her roots artist and incredibly talented. The film is relevant to us as Appalachians being just, you know, giving a story of life in a coal community and apart from it being relevant to us, it’s gorgeous film. We are very flattered that she has agreed to screen it with us. It’s wonderful.
LAWSON: Awesome, I can’t wait to see it and what else can we expect to enjoy as part of the three day Film Festival?
ALLINDER: So, Friday night, August 18 at The Loud, we have music videos being screened, and so you’ll get to experience all the music videos from the Appalachian region. They’re great. [There’s] a lot of different music genres and styles and also different video styles- some of them are animated. It’s a very, very cool night.
Saturday, August 19 will be the rest of the films being screened. So, the student films, short films and feature films will be screened from 11am to 7:30pm. And then at 8pm we will screen King Coal and get our awards and everything. So, that will be our Saturday.
And then Sunday August 20 at Black Sheep here in Huntington, We will have Mickey Fisher who is a renowned screenwriter from Ironton, Ohio. He will be here to give an exclusive screenwriting brunch where we have all of our filmmakers planning to attend and we have a few tickets left available to the public. That’s great for somebody who is interested in hearing some tricks from a professional in the industry.
LAWSON: That sounds awesome. I can’t wait. Thank you, Rachel.
ALLINDER: Thank you. See you soon.
Film festival tickets may be purchased online: https://www.foundrytheater.org/event-details/appalachian-film-festival
It is $35 for the Weekend Pass which includes Friday night at The Loud, Saturday’s main event at The Foundry, and the Filmmakers’ Brunch at Black Sheep on Sunday. Single tickets for only attending The Loud are $10. And single day tickets for Saturday are $20.
FOUNDRY PRESS RELEASE:
The highly anticipated Appalachian Film Festival is set to make a triumphant comeback after a decade-long hiatus. Proudly revived by the non-profit organization Foundry, this three-day celebration of Appalachian cinema promises to captivate audiences from August 18th to August 20th, 2023. Featuring an exciting lineup of music videos, student films, short films, and feature films, the festival will immerse attendees in the rich tapestry of Appalachian storytelling.
The festivities will commence on August 18th at The Loud, where the vibrant intersection of music and visual artistry will be on full display through a captivating showcase of music videos. This opening night event will set the stage for a weekend filled with creativity and exploration.
On August 19th, the festival will shift to the prestigious Jean Carlo Stephenson Auditorium, hosting an immersive cinematic experience from 10 am to 11 pm. The day will feature a diverse program, including student films, compelling short films, and thought-provoking feature films. Guiding audiences through this exciting lineup will be the renowned Nathan Thomas, creator, and host of the esteemed artist podcast “Common Place” in Huntington. Thomas’s deep passion for the arts and his ability to connect with audiences will ensure a memorable day of cinematic exploration.
As evening descends, the festival will reach new heights with the presence of esteemed Appalachian actor Michael Cerveris, known for his roles in “Ant-Man” and HBO’s “The Gilded Age.” Cerveris will take the stage to introduce the headlining film of the festival, “King Coal,” directed by the critically acclaimed Elaine McMillion Sheldon. This much-anticipated Huntington premiere will showcase Sheldon’s award-winning documentary, offering a poignant exploration of the region’s coal mining legacy. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to engage in a Q&A session with the director, delving into the creative process and hearing exclusive insider tales of the film’s production.
The evening will culminate with Cerveris presenting the esteemed Blenko glass “Appys” to the winning filmmakers, acknowledging their outstanding contributions to Appalachian filmmaking. This prestigious recognition will serve as a testament to their exceptional talent and dedication.
Sunday, August 20th will mark the grand finale of the festival with an exclusive brunch featuring Mickey Fisher, a prominent Appalachian filmmaker and producer. This intimate gathering will provide attendees with a unique opportunity to learn industry tips and insights, as Fisher shares his expertise and experiences in the world of filmmaking. Rachel Allinder, CEO of Foundry, and Emily Conzett, CFO of Foundry, express their excitement in extending this invitation to filmmakers and film enthusiasts alike, encouraging them to visit Huntington for a weekend filled with creative inspiration.
Plan your unforgettable weekend now for the 2023 Appalachian Film Festival. Tickets and detailed information are available at www.foundrytheater.org, providing a gateway to an extraordinary cinematic experience.