by: Kyla Horn, AAEKY Program Manager
Last summer, All Access EKY supported Appalachian Media Institute (AMI) interns to create a media piece that focused on sexual and reproductive health in Appalachia. After finally completing rounds at numerous film festivals, ‘No Such Right: The End of Roe in Appalachia’ is now live to stream on YouTube!
‘No Such Right’ is a snapshot of a region in crisis. In the aftermath of the stunning Dobbs v Jackson decision, doctors, lawyers, activists, and young people across Appalachia had to come to terms with what the future of their region and their rights would be. ‘No Such Right’ is our search for answers, highlighting the voices of those impacted by Dobbs and their efforts to reckon with and remedy these issues. This story is a single piece of a much larger national narrative, but it is a story that few others are in a place to tell.
We were able to speak with one of the film’s four producers, Deladis Haywood, to hear about her individual experience creating this short film.
Q: What was the thought process like that led to your group picking this topic for your piece?
A: The process that led to the topic of our piece happened pretty quickly. We knew we were going to make a film for All Access EKY from the start, but we weren't sure what it would be about just yet. Roe v. Wade being overturned was announced later that June and we were outraged. We knew immediately that our film would be on Roe v. Wade being overturned. We wanted to show how people in Appalachia were experiencing this big change. We wanted to share the real opinions, beliefs, and knowledge the people in Appalachia have about this topic. We wanted to fight the Appalachian stereotypes and give people a platform to speak their minds and share their stories. Our ultimate goal was to try our best to help fight the overturning and help make a change with our documentary.
Q: How would you describe your experience creating this video?
A: The experience of creating our documentary had its good parts and tough parts. It was difficult creating a film about a topic that was ongoing. I personally feared getting backlash from people because the topic is so touchy for many. It was tough figuring out how to tell the story the right way and the most accurate. Although it could be hard at times, I would also describe the experience as life-changing. I went to my first protest ever and got to document and meet so many different people. I learned so many new skills along with how to tell a good, cohesive, story involving photography, videography, and video editing. These skills I know I will use and take with me for the rest of my life.
Q: What was your biggest take away?
A: My biggest takeaway from creating this film is to never stop fighting. Women, trans, and non-binary individuals have had to fight for their rights for decades. We have had things taken away from us again and again. We have had old white men in power who know nothing about abortion or what it means to be pro-choice argue and try to take control over our bodies like we are their property over and over. Just when you think you are done fighting they come right back around to try and gain power over you once again. We need to show that we are stronger than them, we need to show that we are people and we are nobody's property. We need to show we will always win the fight.
Q: How do you think growing up in Appalachia influenced the way you were able to tell this story?
A: I was able to empathize and understand everyone's stories better where I have experienced similar things before. I experience the same anger, fears, and understandings they do. Growing up primarily around pro-life/anti-women people will always be tough. Growing up in a place where you don't feel understood by people from the inside or outside will always be tough, but it gives me the same fighting spirit my Appalachian brothers and sisters have. The spirit that drove me to help make this film.
Q: From July 26-30th 2022, a devastating flood swept through 14 counties in eastern KY, killing dozens and displacing thousands. If you feel comfortable, I would love to hear more about the struggles you all were able to overcome in producing this piece while simultaneously dealing with the devastating flooding in the region. I can't imagine the roller coaster of emotions this caused, especially with the loss of the Boone building and potentially the work you'd spent so much time on.
A: The morning of the flood was one of the scariest moments of my life. When I found out how catastrophic the flood really was I was devastated. I had no way out of my house because of my washed out driveway due to the rushing water. I had no way of communicating with many family members or friends. When I heard houses were under water I worried for them the most. When I found out the Boone building and the Appalshop building was under water, all my hope was lost. Our screening was canceled and all the work me and my fellow interns were doing all summer was gone. I felt like our work and time would amount to nothing. I felt like our voices would never be heard. I grieved over the film for days until we got news that a very smart and talented individual swooped in and was able to save the majority of the films made over the summer (ours included). I was more than relieved. The screening that was canceled was later held in Lexington at a really nice theater along with the other two films. I'm thankful that my story had a happy ending, but I would like to acknowledge the many people who have suffered and are still suffering today from the catastrophic floods. I know many who are still homeless, jobless, and have lost loved ones. I wish the best for all of them and I am currently working on a project as an intern under Malcolm J. Wilson where I interview and photograph flood victims to help share their stories so that people never forget what happened that terrible day.
Q: As we begin to approach the one-year anniversary of the Dobbs decision, how has your current outlook changed as compared to a year ago when you were creating this film?
A: My outlook has not changed much from a year ago. I can say that I still have faith in Appalachia and I have faith we will continue to fight whatever else comes our way. Seeing everyone vote no on the ballots was truly inspiring and I will say that I have hope that things will continue to look up in these mountains. There will still be challenges, but it is nothing we can't face.
Tate Greene is a 19-year-old from Knoxville, Tennessee. They are currently a sophomore studying History and Education at Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire and hope to one day become a teacher.
Sarah Sexton is a 16-year-old from Colson, Kentucky. She is a junior at Letcher County Central High School and plans to study Filmmaking and Directing in college. Sarah hopes to continue her filmmaking career by becoming a film director or producer.
Deladis Haywood is a 17-year-old from Mayking, Kentucky. She is a senior at Letcher County Central High School and is still considering what to study in higher education, though Film seems like a promising path. Deladis hopes she can make more documentaries in the future.
Rebekah McAuley is a 16-year-old from Whitesburg, Kentucky. She is a junior at Letcher County Central High School and plans to study Film and English in college. Rebekah hopes to pursue a career in film, either behind the camera or on the screen herself.