Rising Appalachia is a group of troubadours led by sisters Leah and Chloe Smith. Their sound is a unique soulful mix of folk and roots music with lyrics that infuse Southern hymns, feminist musings, and a dash of anarchy. This film begins as a recreation of their childhood in suburban Atlanta before diving down to the depths of New Orleans where they developed their voice as grown women and used that voice to speak out against resource extraction. This short film is the first of Guayaki's Come to Life Films, which feature people and subjects that uplift local communities. Sit back, relax, and enjoy this alchemical homebrew of Southern hope, pain, and magic.

Client: Guayaki Yerba Mate

Featuring: Leah Smith Chloe Smith David Brown Biko Casini Arouna Diarra

Director: Cyrus Sutton

Producers: David Karr, Charles Post, Don Miguel, Lindsay Blatt

Editor: Erica Silverman

Cinematography: Julie Hotz

Additional Footage: Evan Marks

Sound Design: Hugh Sandys

Camera Gear Provided by Adorama