
American Hollow
For one year, documentary filmmaker Rory Kennedy lived with the Appalachian Bowling family in Saul, Kentucky, one of the poorest and most isolated parts of the Appalachian Mountains, or as it is popularly termed: Appalachia. Because Kennedy got to know this family, under the undisputed leadership of 68-year-old Iree Bowling, from very close by while shooting her film AMERICAN HOLLOW, she was able to register from within how hard it is for these once so proud people to survive in rural America. Vital provisions like education and medical care are not available, while the achievements of the modern age (cars, televisions) are slowly entering their world. Although Iree has a history of alcoholism and abuse, she takes care of her bedridden mother and mentally handicapped sister, and for her children and grandchildren she is the one who can keep the Appalachian traditions alive.
Directed by
Rory Kennedy
Trailer
Recognition
Film Independent Spirit Awards (2000)
Nominated, Truer than Fiction Award
Primetime Emmy Awards (2000)
Nominated, Outstanding Non-Fiction Special
AFI Fest (1999)
Won, Documentary Award
Atlanta Film Festival (1999)
Won, Honorable Mention, Best Documentary
Chicago International Film Festival (1999)
Won, Gold Hugo, Best Documentary
Newport International Film Festival (1999)
Won, Jury Award, Best Documentary
Sundance Film Festival (1999)
Nominated, Grand Jury Prize, Documentary
Written by
Mark Bailey / Writer
Produced by
Jacqueline Glover / Supervising producer
Rory Kennedy / Producer
Sheila Nevins / Executive producer
Press
New York Times / Film Review; A Family United By Home And Want
Music by
Bill Frisell
Cinematography by
Nick Doob
Film Editing by
Adam Zucker
Editorial Department
Anna Josenhans / Assistant editor
Jay Keuper / Additional editor