Clear Day Thunder: Rescuing the American Chestnut
A mighty wonder that graced the forests of Appalachia and sustained all forms of life, embraced us, from cradle to grave. At the turn of the 20th century, a deadly blight accidentally imported into the U.S. from Asia devastated the American Chestnut. Within a span of only two generations, the tree was nearly extinct. This is the story of passionate citizen scientists and researchers working to restore this ecologically and economically important species. The tree that forged a connection with humankind has been embraced in turn by humans, who, invigorated by hope, are working tirelessly to revive this magnificent tree.
Q&A
After the film, stay for a Q&A with Cassie Stark – Mid-Atlantic Regional Science Coordinator for Kentucky, Virginia, Maryland, and West Virginia state chapters of The American Chestnut Foundation
Meet the Filmmaker!
After the film, meet filmmaker of Clear Day Thunder: Rescuing the American Chestnut, Adams Woods.
Filmmakers: Adams Wood and Rod Murphy
Running Time: 52 mins
Language: English with Open Captions
Type: Special Screening
Adams Wood is an award-winning director, DP, and documentary filmmaker with a focus on conservation and social justice filmmaking. Recent projects include Hunger is Real (Winner, Full Bloom Film Festival, 2022) and Just Over the Line (Independent Lens/ITVS, 2021.) His feature documentary, On Coal River, premiered at AFI/Silverdocs, and garnered several “Best Documentary” awards. Adams has also produced films for organizations including American Express, the George Lucas Educational Foundation, Manna Foodbank, Greenpeace, Google, and New Belgium Brewing.
Rod Murphy is a documentary filmmaker who resides in western North Carolina. His feature documentary work has garnered 14 awards and has screened internationally at film festivals, network television, and streaming services. Rod also produces documentary-style video content for organizations such as United Way, Outward Bound, HanesBrand, The NBA, Mission Health, ESPN, New Belgium Brewing, Amazon Prime, American Express, Western Carolina University, Industries for the Blind, and The American Chestnut Foundation.
