NEW Appalshop Films from Filmmaker Ethan Payne

We have an exciting surprise for you! Over the next several weeks (beginning this past Monday), we will be sharing a set of four brand new Appalshop films. These films are by filmmaker Ethan Payne, and each features an inspiring traditional Appalachian artist. 

We’re kicking this series off with Lady D. This stunning 11-minute film, available now on YouTube, highlights the incredible blues singer Lady D. Daughter of a West Virginia coal miner, Lady D takes viewers on a journey through history. Influenced by the likes of Bessie Smith and the Chitlin’ Circuit, she founded the Simply Jazz and Blues Festival and the Juneteenth Festival in Beckley, West Virginia, while on her way to becoming West Virginia’s First Lady of Soul.

Ethan’s films have had a successful round in the film festival world winning many awards like: Best Short Documentary at The Way of Art Film Festival in Venice, Italy; Best Short Film - Documentary at Film Invasion Los Angeles; Judges Award Winner at Boone Docs; Best Short Documentary at Fort Myers Beach International Film Festival; and Official Selection at the Louisville International Festival of Film, River’s Edge International Film Festival, Newport Beach Film Festival, University of Pikeville Film & Media Arts Festival, Atlanta Docufest, Big Ears Music Festival in Knoxville, TN, and more!

These films were made possible by the generous support of the National Endowment for the Arts, SouthArts, the Berea College Appalachian Fund, and the Craft Futures Fund.

Every other week, we’ll be releasing another of Ethan’s new films, so be sure to subscribe on YouTube!

PS: You may have noticed that the Appalshop Film Department has a new logo! We are so excited to roll out this branding. Thanks to Bruce Parsons for the design!