NEWS

Welcome to the website of Anne Lewis, independent filmmaker associated with Appalshop, editor, and senior lecturer at the University of Texas - Austin.

Here you will find information and materials related to documentary films for social action, economic justice, and in celebration of Appalachian culture.

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"Anne Braden: Southern Patriot" in partnership with Mimi Pickering and produced with Appalshop continues to develop with rough cut screenings at the Oral History Association and the Southern Historical Association. See the latest sample.

In 1983, I documented Ted Kennedy when he conducted hearings in Neon, Kentucky and at the Mud Creek Clinic. Kennedy addressed health care and Reaganomics as he collected testimony from poor people. Clips are streaming on Appalshop's website. See the clips of Ted Kennedy in 1983.

It is the 20-year anniversary of the Pittston strike and "Justice in the Coalfields" tells the story from the miners' perspective. A remastered dvd is available with songs by Elaine Purkey. See the trailer for "Justice in the Coalfields."

"Mine War on Blackberry Creek" (1986) is streamed on this site. The documentary reports on the United Mine Workers of America strike against A.T. Massey, America's fourth largest coal company. It includes our interview with Massey CEO Don Blankenship recently listed on AlterNet as one of "the 13 scariest Americans." Richard A. Trumka, Secretary-Treasurer and most likely future President of the AFL-CIO, expresses union values. The film concludes with music by Rocky Peck, later killed in a mine accident. A remastered DVD soon will be available. See "Mine War on Blackberry Creek," the 30-minute 1986 documentary by Anne Lewis.

The "Morristown: in the Air and Sun" trailer aired on national Free Speech TV as part of a program about the auto industry. GRITtv with Laura Flanders. Currently used at union and immigration workshops throughout the country, the film will be broadcast on Free Speech TV. Please stay tuned for schedule. See the page for "Morristown: in the air and sun."

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"A Tender Promise: Education Story"(formerly named "High Stakes") received a City of Austin cultural contract to continue production of a documentary that looks at the public school education of Latino, African American, and working class children. We are visiting students who participated when we filmed their 5th grade class in 2004-5. They are now in high school. Please help us finish this documentary with support, contact information, and suggestions. See the latest sample.

Ya Basta! Texas Labor History looks at two events: the San Antonio Pecan Shellers' strike of 1938 and the struggle at Steven F. Austin University in Nacogdoches over race and gender discrimination from 1976-1984. Interviews include Larry Daves, Emily Jones, Latane Lambert, and Arthur Weaver as well as direct participants in both struggles. Please let us know if you have source material or know participants.