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This week, some folks are working to preserve the memory of Bristol, Virginia’s Black Bottom, a largely African American community wiped out by urban renewal. Also, small food producers embrace digital technology for the humble farm stand. And, kudzu; it’s coming for us.
Home » Stories » A conversation with West Virginia Filmmaker of the Year, John Nakashima
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A conversation with West Virginia Filmmaker of the Year, John Nakashima
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For more than 30 years, John Nakashima has made documentaries at West Virginia Public Broadcasting. But he’s also done more.
He co-edited the cult classic film “Chillers,” and worked on animated films, like “The Griffin and the Minor Canon,” which is based on a book of short stories penned by Frank Stockton. Nakashima is now being honored by his filmmaking colleagues with the state’s award for Filmmaker of the Year.
Here is the 26 minute documentary, Clifftop:
1009Naka.mp3
This 6:05 feature aired on West Virginia Public Radio.
JohnNakashima.mp3
This audio is the raw and uncut interview Ben Adducchio conducted with Nakashima.
Here are some clips from Mountaineer:
Here are clips from Different Drummer Documentaries Your Public Servant, and The Final Accounting
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This week, some folks are working to preserve the memory of Bristol, Virginia’s Black Bottom, a largely African American community wiped out by urban renewal. Also, small food producers embrace digital technology for the humble farm stand. And, kudzu; it’s coming for us.
Urban renewal in the last century was supposed to revitalize struggling cities, but it often sacrificed Black neighborhoods and business districts, like Black Bottom in Bristol, Virginia. Inside Appalachia’s Mason Adams spoke with organizer Tina McDaniel about “The Souls of Bristol’s Black Bottom,” a project in Bristol that remembers the community through interpretive signs, public art and digital storytelling. McDaniel says learning about Black Bottom was a revelation.
Construction is underway for the America 250 Wheel, the world's largest portable Ferris wheel and a centerpiece of West Virginia's America250 celebration.