‘Papertown’ Documentary Featuring an Original Song by Dave Matthews Band Sets Premiere at MountainFilm Festival

Jeremy Seifert, known for environmental documentaries such as "Sacred Planet: The Heart of the World" and "The Devil We Know," has teamed up with co-director Benjamin James Roberts on a new film called "Papertown." Scheduled to debut at the MountainFilm Festival on May 22, the documentary explores the abrupt closure of a paper mill that operated for over a century in Canton, North Carolina, a small community nestled in the Appalachian region. That shutdown devastated the local economy, forcing residents to grapple not only with unemployment but also with a profound crisis of identity within their town. Seifert, who grew up in the area, has described the project as deeply personal, driven by his conviction that this watershed moment in Appalachian history needed to be documented. Industry analysts have observed that such closures frequently leave lasting psychological wounds that extend well beyond the immediate economic fallout, a dimension the film reportedly examines with care. Dr. Linda Harper, a rural sociologist at the University of North Carolina, noted in a recent interview that "industrial shutdowns can shatter a community's sense of purpose, which is often harder to rebuild than the local job market."

For the film's soundtrack, musician Dave Matthews has contributed an original song, also titled "Papertown," featuring vocals from Sierra Ferrell and Sara Watkins. Watkins, a member of the acclaimed folk group Nickel Creek, also provides fiddle accompaniment on the track. Matthews expressed his admiration for the documentary, stating, "The movie is stunning. It’s heartbreaking, but still so hopeful. It’s full of hope, in spite of this class system where the power sits in the hands of far away people, which is so wrong." His musical contribution blends folk and Americana styles that resonate with the region's cultural heritage, deepening the film's emotional impact. This collaboration highlights a notable fusion of documentary filmmaking and roots music, a combination that has historically amplified narratives of working-class struggle in the United States. For context, Matthews, whose band has sold over 30 million albums worldwide, has a history of supporting social and environmental causes, including work with the Nature Conservancy and his own Bama Works Fund.

According to the film's official logline, the 115-year-old mill's unexpected closure announcement triggered three chaotic months that shattered the town's economy and fractured its collective sense of self. The documentary captures the community in real time, conveying emotions ranging from shock and confusion to anger and betrayal. When it came to light that executives had profited from stock trades just days before the news was made public, resentment among workers and residents intensified. Rumors circulated and questions lingered, fueling a deep sense of heartbreak and uncertainty. Seifert explained, "We threw ourselves into this story, documenting the experience of the paper mill workers and the community just days after they found out the mill was closing." He added, "It was our community of local filmmakers fueled by a shared belief that this chapter in Appalachian history mattered. It’s a story about the people and community and I can’t wait to share it with the world."

The project received financial support from the Ford Foundation, the Catapult Film Fund, and Mountainfilm. Producers included Chris Pruett, Seifert, and Colby Sexton, with Ryan Suffern serving as executive producer. The film's examination of economic dislocation and corporate responsibility aligns with themes from Seifert's earlier work, which has consistently focused on environmental and social justice issues. Observers have noted that "Papertown" arrives at a time when many rural communities across the United States face similar industrial shutdowns, lending the documentary broader relevance. The Ford Foundation, established in 1936 and known for funding projects that address inequality, has a long history of supporting documentaries that explore systemic economic challenges, making this partnership a natural fit for the film's message. The Catapult Film Fund, which provides early-stage funding for documentary projects, has previously backed films like "The Cave" and "Hale County This Morning, This Evening."