A hillbilly story about the universal, yet nearly impossible task of leaving your home for a better life.

by fellows at the American Film Institute

Telling a story about an Appalachian community in the 1960s carries vital importance today because it gives voice to a region and a people too often overlooked or misrepresented in American cultural memory. Appalachia has long been stereotyped through narrow, reductive lenses—poverty, isolation, or caricatured rural life—while the richness of its history, traditions, and resilience has been left in the margins.

By returning to the 1960s, a decade of immense national change, we gain a powerful lens to see how Appalachian communities navigated questions of identity, labor, family, and survival against the backdrop of broader social upheaval. Sharing these stories now not only corrects cultural erasure but also reminds us that the struggles and triumphs of Appalachia are deeply woven into the fabric of American history. At a moment when divisions and inequities remain pressing, such stories can foster empathy, connection, and a deeper understanding of communities whose voices deserve to be heard.

Why now?

In a 1960s Virginia holler, Annie prepares for her son’s 6th birthday while her coal-mining husband suffers from physical pain that becomes impossible to ignore.

As Annie fears for her husband’s health and her son’s future, she considers making the choice to move up North.

Spotify Playlist

BETWEEN THE 1930S AND 1960S, EIGHT MILLION WHITE, APPALACHAIN AMERICANS MOVED NORTH FOR FACTORY JOBS TO ESCAPE COAL MINING AND THE DANGERS OF POVERTY (FRASER)

Main Character

Annie Ryan, 29

REAL FAMILY PHOTOS

Annie’s Son

Mikey Ryan, 6

Annie’s Husband

Buck Ryan, 31

Make a donation

Help us raise $40,000 to bring this story to life.

Where does the money go?

Daily Meals - $650 (x5)

Production Designer - $3,000

Electric & Lens Rentals - $2,000

Location Rental - $20,000

HMU Artist - $1,250

Post Sound & Color - $4,000

Period Authentic Materials - $1,000

Welfare employee for Child Actor - $1,800

Professional Sound Mixer - $2,000

Equipment Transportaion - $2,000

Note: Please ensure that “AFI THESIS FILM NORTH - 2604” is selected.

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The Team:

Rebecca "Bex" Rose Marrow

Producer
AFI Class of ‘26
Timur Almazov

Director / Co-writer
AFI Class of ‘26
Tim Almazov is a London-based filmmaker. Though he only began directing in 2022, he has quickly established himself across narrative film, music videos, and commercial content, developing a distinctive voice that focuses on close observations of human characters and their journeys of transformations.
His music video work has garnered attention from industry publication Promonews, while his narrative short films have picked up festival runs and found audiences through platforms like MrBox in the UK. He has created content for Kellogg's and Suzannah London.
A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Tim is currently pursuing his MFA at the American Film Institute Conservatory, where he continues to develop his craft and expand his creative vision.
Emily Henninger

Production Designer
AFI Class of ‘24
Ronni Garrett

Editor
AFI Class of ‘
As an editor, Ronni is passionate about exploring stories that resonate with both heart and history. She joined NORTH because it sheds light on the struggles and resilience of a community often overlooked, and believes editing is the art of giving those voices clarity and power.
“By supporting this film, you’re not only helping us preserve an important piece of American history, but also investing in the voices of the next generation of filmmakers who are passionate about telling it with authenticity and care.”
Sydney Lawson

Cinematographer / Co-writer
AFI Class of ‘26
Sydney is a queer cinematographer from Ohio and her grandparents inspired this story.
Having shot four feature films - The Holiday Club (2024), The Exorcism of St. Patrick (2024), Wolves Against the World (2024), and Dead Teenagers (2024) - she is excited about the opportunity to put her experience to the test in this important historical drama.
In addition, she has worked for seven years as a freelance director of photography in various short films, music videos, documentaries, and commercials - such as the Debby Ryan/Josh Dunn Open Door episode by Architectural Digest.