UPIKE professor’s documentary on Breaks Canyon to air on KET

The Breaks: Centuries of Struggle, narrated by Mike Rowe of Deadliest Catch and Dirty Jobs and co-directed and produced by University of Pikeville Assistant Professor of Film & Media Arts Andrew Reed, looks at the past, present and future of Breaks Canyon – known as “The Grand Canyon of the South.” The program airs Monday, April 9 at 9/8 pm on KET and Tuesday, April 10 at 10/9 pm on KET2.
 
In the 19th century, the area became coveted by settlers, moonshiners, railroaders, and lumberjacks. Yet as resource exploitation grew, a citizen-led preservation movement emerged.

While detailing the area’s history, the film captures the natural beauty of the canyon’s Breaks Interstate Park. Spanning the Virginia-Kentucky border, it is one of only two interstate parks in the country.
 
Archival photos and aerial images blend to detail the evolution of the Russell Fork River, which carved the canyon. Interviews with those involved in the park’s 1954 creation offer a personalized view of the history of the area, while current park superintendent Austin Bradley gives voice to the Breaks Canyon of today.
 
The Breaks: Centuries of Struggle is an independent production, produced by Reed and Friends of Breaks Park. The film is directed by Reed and Curtis Mullins. Rowe is executive producer. More information about the film is available online at thebreaksfilm.com.
 
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