Shiners: A Packed House, Powerful Stories, and the Heart of Appalachian Kentucky

Rian Johnson

Associate Director Content Development
LFA Supervisor & C2C Comms Intern Supervisor

On Sunday, June 22, the Cinemark Theater in Richmond was filled wall to wall—not just with people, but with pride, emotion, and applause—as Shiners: Voices from Owsley County made its Kentucky debut.

This wasn’t just a film screening. It was a moment. A celebration of youth, place, and the transformational power of storytelling.

Shiners, directed by Seth McClellan and produced by Bob Martin of Clear Creek Creative, follows a remarkable group of students, educators, and artists in Owsley County, Kentucky. Together, they created a theater production that wrestled with identity, community, and hope—on their own terms and in their own voices. The film documents that creative journey and the deep impact it had on everyone involved.

What Place-Based Work Looks Like in Action

At Partners for Rural Impact, and through the Appalachian Cradle to Career Partnership, we talk a lot about place-based work. About lifting up the power that already exists in rural communities, especially among young people. Shiners shows exactly what that looks like.

“At PRI, we believe in the power of young people to lead change in their communities,” said Dr. Melissa Newman, AVP of Partners for Rural Impact and Executive Director of the Appalachian Cradle to Career Partnership. “Shiners is a stunning example of what happens when you make space for their voices—and truly listen. We are proud to help amplify their work.”

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The crowd’s reaction said it all. Applause echoed. People wiped away tears. Many stayed afterward to talk, reflect, and connect with the creative team. The film reminded us all: there is beauty and brilliance in rural youth—and their stories deserve to be heard.

“This film is about the transformational power of sharing our stories,” said Producer Bob Martin. “You see and hear their brilliance, complexity, and lights shining through the fabric of the world around them.”

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Director Seth McClellan added, “The students in Owsley County inspired me—they’re transforming their community without scapegoating or demonizing. That’s the path forward.”

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