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Rising Hope

In this cinematic portrait of the forgotten Mississippi Delta, inspired citizens share vibrant testimonies of hope in the face of historic oppression, defying the pervasive narrative of rural poverty.

  • Theo Avgerinos
    Director
    Fifty Pills, Americons
  • Lynn Appelle
    Producer
    Thoth (Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Film)
  • Alex Wurman
    Composer
    March of the Penguins
  • Jacki Huntington
    Creative Producer
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Feature
  • Genres:
    Inspirational, Historical, education, social impact, social justice
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 41 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    January 10, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    500,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Anamorphic/Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2:39
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Oxford Film Festival
    Oxford
    United States
    March 22, 2024
    Best Mississippi Feature Film & Audience Award
  • Lightreel Film Festival
    Washington DC
    United States
    June 8, 2024
    Best Documentary Film
  • Golden Gate International Film Festival
    San Jose
    United States
    November 9, 2024
    Best Documentary Film and Best Director
Director Biography - Theo Avgerinos

Theo Avgerinos is an award-winning Greek-American filmmaker and director known for his compelling storytelling and focus on resilient characters. He has directed three independent feature films, each with its own unique voice and resonance. His feature debut, Fifty Pills, premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, featuring a cast that includes Lou Taylor Pucci, Kristen Bell, Jane Lynch, Eddie Kay Thomas, and Michael Peña. His second feature, Americons, had a national theatrical release through AMC theaters, further establishing his reputation in independent cinema.

Theo’s latest project, the documentary Rising Hope, reflects a deeply personal journey that began in 2000 with his student short film about Herron Wilson and his community mission work in Indianola, Mississippi. Over the years, this initial project evolved into a full-length feature, capturing untold stories of resilience and hope that continue to resonate with audiences nationwide.

A graduate of Bucknell University, Theo co-founded the university’s first student film production company and was instrumental in establishing Bucknell’s first interdepartmental major in Cinema Studies. His Greek heritage and curiosity about complex human narratives inform much of his work, inspiring films that not only entertain but challenge audiences to reflect on universal themes of justice, perseverance, and unity.

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Director Statement

Rising Hope is a film born from a deep belief in the resilience and unity that emerge from the hardest of circumstances. Mississippi’s history is one marked by profound division, but it’s also defined by moments of extraordinary human spirit—by people who face overwhelming odds yet find a way to persevere and build bridges. I wanted to bring these untold stories to light, to show not only the complexities of a state grappling with its past but also the individuals who bring hope to its future.

In making this documentary, I aimed to capture the voices that often go unheard, those who inspire us by standing up for justice, reconciliation, and positive change. Audiences have echoed a sentiment that I hold close to my heart: “Every American needs to see this film.” This story, while specific to Mississippi, touches on universal themes and the power of community. It’s a message that feels especially urgent today, one that challenges us to reflect on our shared history and, more importantly, on our shared responsibility to one another.

I hope Rising Hope inspires conversations that will ripple far beyond the theater, fostering awareness, compassion, and a collective commitment to progress.