Jewel City Revival
Many cities in the Rust Belt are struggling to survive in a post-industrial economy. Huntington, West Virginia is one of them. However, the city's music and art scenes are flourishing. This film takes a close look at two new art-focused venues in the city and their efforts to reinvent and revitalize Huntington after decades of struggle.
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Mark WilliamsDirector
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Sarah IngramWriter
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Mark WilliamsWriter
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Austin CreelProducer
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Mark WilliamsProducer
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Project Type:Documentary, Short, Student, Web / New Media
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Runtime:10 minutes 45 seconds
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Completion Date:May 7, 2019
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Production Budget:0 USD
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Country of Origin:United States
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Country of Filming:United States
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Language:English
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Shooting Format:Digital
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Film Color:Color
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First-time Filmmaker:No
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Student Project:Yes
Mark Williams is an Appalachia born electronic music and experimental video producer currently based in Huntington, WV. Williams has released dozens of albums and videos under the name Bary Center name since 2013 on various American and international record labels. He has toured the American DIY underground extensively as both a solo artist and a member of many experimental bands since 2003. His Bary Center project is focused on textural, analog dance, ambient, and post industrial sounds conjured from both modern and vintage electronic equipment. While much of his work purposefully encourages audience interpretation, some recurring themes include the relationships between humanity and nature, humanity and technology, technology and nature, and humanity with itself.
Williams's style as a videographer is often challenging. Elements of psychedelia, horror, and experimental films are almost always present in his work. Many of his music videos for the Bary Center project have premiered on noted international music publications. Williams has also created more mainstream music videos for Appalachian artists Kerry Erin coats, Walter DeBarr, and Faye Berry.
As a documentarian, Williams combines journalistic elements with experimental techniques to illuminate stories that defy common regional stereotypes and promote positive change within Appalachia.