Papertown

When the paper mill that sustained a small Appalachian town for over a century shuts down, its people face not only economic collapse, but a deeper question—who are they without it?

When the paper mill that defined Canton, North Carolina announced it would close, the town had just three months before its largest employer—and a core part of its identity—was gone. Filmed in real time, this documentary captures the shock, unanswered questions, and growing anger as rumors swirl, corporate leaders stay silent, and news emerges of executives profiting from stock trades days before the announcement. Through grief, resilience, and uncertainty, the people of Canton confront life without the industry that shaped them for generations.

Project Websites: https://www.newunionfilms.com/papertowndoc

Co-Director | Jeremy Seifert

Co-Director | BENJAMIN JAMES ROBERTS

Executive Producer | RYAN SUFFERN

Producer | CHRIS PRUETT

Producer | COLBY SEXTON

Consulting Producer | REBEKAH FERGUSSON

Director of Photography | JACOB SUTTON