Appalachian Genesis (Film)

Appalachian Genesis

  •  Bill Richardson
  •  1971
  • Color IconColor
  •  25:52
  •  16 mm film
Film Description
Appalachian Genesis, one of the first Appalshop films, was commissioned by the Appalachian Regional Commission to document the state of mind of Appalachian young people in the early 1970s. It presents a vivid picture of the social activism and upheaval that had begun in the 1960s, especially with the War on Poverty. Appalachian youth speak out about the coal industry, the educational system, job opportunities, health care, politics and poverty. The film still resonates today as young people in growing numbers of communities across the country grapple with many of the same structural problems and experiences.

Screenings & Festivals
  • Kentucky Educational Television
  • Museum of Modern Art
  • Walker Art Center


Not yet preserved. To support the work of preserving and safeguarding the collections, please consider designating a donation to Appalshop Archive.


Reviews

“If I had to pick only one film to express the frustrations of the Appalachian, it would be Appalachian Genesis.” — Appalachian State University
“Excellent introduction to the problems and hopes of Appalachian residents.” — Thomas D. York, First Presbyterian Church