SOAPIFF Documentaries Schedule

Documentaries

BONECRUSHER
(USA 69 mins)
Directed by Michael Fountain
This film is an intimate, moving account of the love between a father and son, and the powerful bond they share, a bond that is put to the test. They live in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains where a tight-knit community of coal miners and their families face their harsh life with a toughness and camaraderie as enduring as the earth itself.

MELUNGEON VOICES
(USA 57 mins)
Directed by Julie Williams Dixon
Mystery has surrounded the multi-ethnic Melungeons who have lived deep in the Appalachians for hundreds of years. Their story of coming together from diverse backgrounds and putting aside cultural and racial differences to survive offers a look at an almost forgotten people and a never told piece of America's history.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WO0UOsp-NZ8

GRANNY BROOKS: LAST OF THE OLD-TIME MID-WIVES (USA)
Directed by Beverly Brooks
Morristown, TN based Granny Brooks was called to be a mid-wife as a young woman. She cared for women, as well as their families, during the birthing process. Over the course of nearly half a century, up until age 92, Granny Brooks assisted in the births of 2,000 children. This remarkable womanâ€™s story is retold by friends, family, and many mothers whose childbirths were made easier by the gentle ways of Granny Brooks.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzOuFYkoMDQ

MISSION APPALACHIA: THE STORY OF RED BIRD
(USA 55 mins)
Directed by Ted Scoggins
Deep within the forests of the Appalachia is a storied community of refuge and hope. The mountain people of these hollers refer to it simply, and affectionately, as Red Bird. This mission has been in operation for nearly one-hundred years. The scattered populations and cultural uniqueness make it difficult for many service organizations to operate in this rugged, unforgiving land. But Red Bird has worked exclusively in this area since the 1920's. The Red Bird Mission has been described as the most comprehensive mission site in the world. Nearly 3,000 people journey annually from across the United States to bring support to fellow Americans in this breathtaking landscape. The volunteers are often humbled and inspired by the richness of Appalachian culture. This documentary follows very personal stories of hope. The filmmaker was granted unprecedented access into the private, symbiotic relationship between Red Bird and the mountain people it serves. Highly protective of this relationship for decades, mission leaders grew to trust the filmmaker over the course of several years before allowing this project to proceed. Using discrete audio/video equipment out of respect, the filmmaker captured inspiring stories of strength and resilience. And while poverty in this part of the country is staggering indeed, this documentary looks beyond the broken houses and deep into the very soul and spirit of this people who so graciously revealed their homes and hearts. The result is a story of amazing faith and humbing compassion - set in a backdrop of awe-inspiring beauty.

Knoxville Screenings at Pellissippi