Trails of Rosin Dust - Appalachia Rising

Set deep in the hollers of the Appalachian Mountains, this documentary follows a new generation of fiddlers preserving a musical legacy born in the 18th century when the region’s dense forests became a refuge that united Scot-Irish fiddle tunes with African banjo rhythms and Indigenous dance, blending diverse cultures giving birth to a uniquely American tradition.

This documentary explores the birth and continued vitality of Appalachian music, a living tradition rooted in centuries of cultural exchange between European settlers, Indigenous communities, and African diasporic peoples. Born of migration, struggle, joy, and survival, this hybrid musical tradition lies at the heart of Appalachian identity. While fiddle tunes take center stage, a unique and enduring sound is born when set against the rhythmic backdrop of clawhammer banjo and buck dancing. Together, these elements birthed a new tradition that has been passed down through generations. Today, this tradition stands at a crossroads, challenged by globalization, rural depopulation, and cultural homogenization. Yet it endures as a powerful expression of identity, resistance, and continuity. The film follows fiddlers from three different regions of Appalachia who carry the mantle of these Appalachian traditions, offering a glimpse into their lives, the lessons they’ve learned from mentors, and the deep connection they feel to the music they play and dance. By following these artists as they prepare for major festivals and contests, we gain insight into how this music continues to thrive and evolve, serving as both a personal expression and a collective conversation with the past and future of what the music means. As communities across Appalachia face the pressures of modernization and cultural erosion, fiddlers, banjoists, and dancers remain the cornerstones of an Appalachian culture that continues to adapt while honoring its roots. Their music and dance are not merely performances; they are acts of survival, resilience, and connection to both personal heritage and the broader cultural landscape.

Website: https://trailsofrosindust.wixsite.com/trails-of-rosin-dust

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trailsofrosindust

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@trailsofrosindust

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trailsofrosindust/

Co-Director | Heather Bennett

Co-Director | Sadie Cibula

Cinematographer | David Rush

Camera and Lighting | Hunter Lawson Cibula

Editor | Nancy Richardson

Colorist | Andrew Lichtstein