PAPERTOWN
A feature-length documentary film
When the paper mill that sustained a small Appalachian town for over a century shuts down, its people face not only economic collapse, but a deeper question—who are they without it?
Our Film
PAPERTOWN is a feature-length documentary centered on the closure of the Canton paper mill and the profound ripple effects felt across Haywood County and Western North Carolina. At its heart, the film is not about the loss of a single industry, but about what happens when identity, labor, land, and community are forced to reimagine themselves at a moment of transition.
This film emerges from within the region it portrays. It is grounded in lived experience, long-term relationships, and a deep respect for the people whose stories are often reduced to headlines or economic data. PAPERTOWN offers a human, nuanced portrait of a community at a crossroads — and in doing so, creates space for reflection, dialogue, and possibility.
We are incredibly excited to have Grammy-award winning musician Dave Matthews join us as an Executive Producer recently. Even more, we are excited about the song he wrote especially for the film, accompanied by alternative country artist, Sierra Ferrell. We feel it is the perfect ending to the film.
PAPERTOWN will have its world premiere at Mountianfilm Festival in Telluride, Colorado on May 22, 2026.
For press inquires please contact us via the link below.
Press
We are excited to announce that Dave Matthews has written an original song and has come on board as an executive producer for PAPERTOWN. Read more in the Variety article linked below.
Teaser
Donation Link
Please click the link below to support the film with a tax deductible donation through our fiscal sponsor the International Documentary Association.
