‘Rising’ documentary highlights Kentucky flood survivors’ strength

KENTUCKY (FOX 56) — Rising, a documentary showcasing stories of strength and resilience from eastern Kentucky amid the deadly 2022 floods, is set to premiere on Sept. 18.

“RISING is a story that shows what’s possible when you put your people first, work together, and demand a solution that will bring meaningful change,” Gov. Andy Beshear said. “The people of eastern Kentucky are some of the strongest, most resilient people I’ve ever met, and they deserve a future where their homes and loved ones are safe from floods – and that is what we’re creating together. The floods brought devastation, but, as this film shows, eastern Kentucky is now full of hope.”

Team Kentucky noted that the 60-minute production chronicles the days when floodwaters would rise and recede, and the years-long recovery that would follow. Three years later, eight high-ground communities on abandoned coal mine sites are either completed or in progress, with new homes on higher ground, protected from future flooding.

“Whitesburg saw historic flooding in 2022 that left so many without homes, and forced us to think about long-term rebuilding plans,” Whitesburg Mayor Tiffany Craft said. “The new high-ground sites in Letcher County, and across eastern Kentucky, are providing our people with safe housing options. People from Whitesburg are proud to be from here, and these new neighborhoods are making sure our people can stay home, in their new, high-ground homes.”

The documentary features state and federal leaders, flood survivors, first responders, and nonprofit partners, according to the governor’s office.

This deeply moving documentary combines archival footage and retrospective interviews to illuminate the heroic efforts of rescue and recovery performed by grassroots efforts and the phenomenal response of the team headed by beloved Gov. Andy Beshear during a devastating Kentucky flood,” Silas House, New York Times bestselling author and former poet laureate of Kentucky, said of Rising. “A film that leaves the viewer feeling hopeful and inspired by what people and government can do when they work together, and when elected officials truly care about – and serve – their constituents.”

The film will premiere at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 18, at the Mountain Arts Center in Prestonsburg. Gov. Beshear and other leaders will host a roundtable discussion following the screening. A “red carpet” opening and reception will precede the premiere at 5 p.m.

Guests are encouraged to RSVP at the event’s website.