The Appalachian Retelling Project
The Appalachian Retelling Project is a web-based, multimedia collective storytelling initiative which aims to share new narratives of the Appalachian region.
Launched in July 2020, The Appalachian Retelling Project uses a combination of directorial and user-generated content to explore Appalachia through the eyes of its own people. Through written essays and poems, photos, and videos, contributors share their own experiences, celebrations, and struggles in the Appalachian region. Visit the full website here.
Combatting Stereotypes Through Cultural Traditions
An example of non-user generated content available on the website, I filmed and edited this interview with Pikeville, KY garden and food blogger Lauren May. Lauren’s blog, Must Love Herbs, is a celebration of Appalachian heritage and traditions which aims to combat stereotypical portrayals of Appalachia.
Navigating Identity as a Muslim Appalachian
Another example of directorial content available on the website, I filmed and edited this interview with Iman Ali of South Williamson, KY. Iman is a graduate student at Harvard University, Policy and Programming Coordinator for the Muslim Public Affairs Council in Washington, D.C., and outspoken advocate for Kentucky and Appalachia. In the video we discuss her experiences growing up a daughter of two Pakistani immigrants in Eastern Kentucky and how they continue to impact her today.
Appalachian Talk Back
An example of crowdsourced and user-generated content on the website, the Appalachian Talk Back series poses questions related to Appalachian identity, representation, and experiences on the project’s social media pages. User responses in the comments are then compiled into a later post.
