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The Blowing Rock Art and History Museum Introduces Its Inaugural Appalachian Film Series Wednesday, Aug. 14

Aug. 14, 2013. Are you looking for something different to do this summer? Would you like to learn more about the history and culture of Appalachia? This August, as part of its mission to promote the rich cultural heritage of the mountains we live in, the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum (BRAHM) is launching its first Appalachian Film Series. 

The 2013 film series will begin on Wednesday, Aug. 14, at 4 p.m. and will feature three independent films that explore different aspects  of the culture and history of the Appalachian Mountains. All of the films will be followed by a facilitated discussion and Q&A session, as ell as complimentary wine and refreshments.

electricityfairyThere will be something for everyone at this year’s film series at BRAHM, as the films will cover a wide range of relevant topics, from coal mining to music to representations of Appalachian people in popular media. The series will kick off Wednesday, Aug. 14, with the fascinating film The Electricity Fairy (2010), which follows the story of a proposed coal-fired power plant in the mountains of southwest Virginia. The Electricity Fairy explores America’s current energy crisis through a mixture of present-day documentary footage and clips of old educational films. BRAHM is excited to welcome Tom Hansell, the maker of the film, to facilitate the discussion afterwards. 

On Aug. 21, BRAHM will screen The Ralph Stanley Story (2000), which explores the Grammy Award-Winner’s musical roots in the Clinch Mountains of Virginia, and includes interviews with musicians such as Dwight Yoakum and Patty Loveless as well as footage of live concert performances.

Concluding the series will be the 1984 film Strangers and Kin: A History of the Hillbilly Image (1984), which discusses (in funny and poignant ways) stereotypes and the “hillbilly” image in media such as Hollywood films, network news and television shows.

Films are $10 each of $25 for the whole series. For more information or to reserve tickets, call Leila Weinstein, BRAHM educational programs coordinator at 828-295-9099 ext 3006.