Nine films from Appalachian State Students to be screened at Greenbriar Theater on Feb. 24
BOONE, N.C. - The first ever Emerging Filmmakers Showcase will take place on Feb. 24 at the Greenbriar Theater in Plemmons Student Union. Nine films produced by Appalachian State University students will be screened. Doors open at 6 p.m., with the screening and filmmakers panel to take place from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Admission is free.
“The inaugural screening shows the range of stories and genres that Appalachian State University students produce during their time here at App,” said Chip Williams, professor in the Commercial Photography program and one of the faculty organizers. “It’s a great line-up of films this year.”
Films in the screening include documentaries, stop-motion animation and fiction, with student filmmakers coming from a broad range of majors all across the university. Rosalie McCracken, of the Appalachian Popular Programming Society (APPS), will moderate the filmmakers panel that is to follow the screening.
“We are thrilled to provide the opportunity for an audience to see these films,” said Anne Ward, associate professor in the Electronic Media/Broadcast program and one of the faculty organizers of the event. “Students have worked hard on these projects and it’s great to provide a showcase for outstanding student films.”
FILMS & FILMMAKERS
Against the Flames – documentary (4:44) This short documentary serves as a tribute to the filmmaker’s mother, outlining the challenges she faced as she worked to achieve her dream of becoming a Charlotte firefighter. Filmmaker – Lana Butler, ‘26/General Marketing
A Look into Peak Piercing – documentary (3:51) This film showcases a female-run business in Boone, NC, highlighting Chelsea's piercing history, how she got into it, her goal with her business, and what she enjoys most. Filmmakers – Joan McCarty, ‘25/Commercial Photography, Sarah White, ‘26/Commercial Photography and Abbey Kroboth, ‘26/Commercial Photography
Appalachian Folklore: A History – documentary (16:12) This short documentary follows occult researcher Tadd McDivitt as he provides a detailed timeline of the formation and evolution of Appalachian culture, exploring the colonial period, supernatural tales, and the future of folklore and storytelling in an ever-modernizing world. Filmmakers – Siler Gore ‘27/Architectural Tech and Design and Nolan Swoap ‘27/Electronic Media/Broadcasting
Bonsai: The Sport of Meditation – documentary (4:03) This is a profile of Pete Jannotti, a local landscaper and Bonsai artist. Told in Pete’s voice, the film traces his beginnings, the routines that shape his craft, and how tending trees over years becomes a quiet meditation on time and growth. Filmmakers – Olivia Bell, ‘25/Commercial Photography, Madison Cain, ‘25/Commercial Photography and Alexis Fowler, ‘26/Commercial Photography
Highway 251: A Film on Asheville Bike Safety – documentary (10:24) In July 2025, Jacob Hill and Lennie Antonelli, were struck and killed by a dump truck while riding on Highway 251. This moment impacted not only the cycling community, but the broader Asheville area. Following this event, Brooke Darby, a mountain biker, made a last-minute decision to rush home from college for the Asheville Gran Fondo to be in her home, and do what she loves – bike in her beloved Appalachian Mountains. Filmmaker – Grace Ellen Callihan, ‘27/Electronic Media Broadcasting/Language Literature and Culture, Spanish and Hispanic Studies
Hospitality House – documentary (4:25) Documenting how Boone’s Hospitality House provides housing and food for those who are struggling. With initiatives such as the Farm Fresh program and partnerships with local grocery stores and businesses, Hospitality House takes food that would otherwise be thrown away or wasted, and gives it to those in need. They also have a garden that provides fresh vegetables, herbs, and fruits during the spring and summer months. Filmmaker – Juliet Coen, ‘26/Digital Journalism
Sunflower – stop-motion animation (:38) A short stop-motion animation film highlighting the connection between sunflowers and baseball Filmmaker – Colby Suchla, ‘25/Commercial Photography
The Amateur – fiction (2:28) A man new to the business of serial killing finds learning on the job to be a challenge. FILMMAKERS – Jake Gisonde – ‘27 Film Studies/Creative Writing and Hunter Heavner – ‘28 Electronic Media/Broadcasting
Watching – documentary (25:35) As he approaches college graduation, filmmaker Sully Styles examines the worst year of his life, his freshman year of college, through the poetry and music he wrote that year. Filmmaker – Sully Styles, ‘25/Interdisciplinary Studies
“While this is the inaugural showcase, we certainly hope it won’t be the last – and we are already planning the event for next year,” said Beth Davison, professor in the Interdisciplinary Studies program, event organizer and co-director of AppDocs.
Attendance is free. Please support student filmmakers by attending the Emerging Filmmakers Showcase on Feb. 24 at the Greenbriar Theater in Plemmons Student Union. Doors open at 6 p.m., with the screening and filmmakers panel to take place from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. This program would not be possible without the support from AppDocs, APPS, the Commercial Photography program and the Department of Communication.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Beth Davison | davisonb@appstate.edu
Chip Williams | williamsch1@appstate.edu
Anne Ward | wardac@appstate.edu
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About the Department of Communication
One of seven departments housed in the College of Fine and Applied Arts, the Department of Communication at Appalachian State University focuses on preparing students to succeed in the varied fields within the communication industry. The department offers five majors – Advertising, Communication Studies, Electronic Media/Broadcasting, Digital Journalism, and Public Relations – and a minor in Communication Studies. Graduates work in a wide range of positions in media, corporate, agency, government, and nonprofit organizations.
About the College of Fine and Applied Arts
Appalachian State University's College of Fine and Applied Arts is a dynamic and innovative group of seven academic departments, bringing together a variety of perspectives, experiences, and real-world education to provide unique opportunities for student success. The college has more than 3,500 undergraduate and graduate majors. Its departments are Applied Design, Art, Communication, Military Science and Leadership, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment, and Theatre and Dance.
About Appalachian State University
As the premier public undergraduate institution in the Southeast, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives as global citizens who understand and engage their responsibilities in creating a sustainable future for all. The Appalachian Experience promotes a spirit of inclusion that brings people together in inspiring ways to acquire and create knowledge, to grow holistically, to act with passion and determination, and to embrace diversity and difference. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Appalachian is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System. Appalachian enrolls nearly 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio, and offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate majors.
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