About
Rising Hope introduces audiences to a Mississippi Delta community—where hope survives, despite generational poverty.
The documentary explores issues surrounding the state’s historically oppressive policies towards Black Mississippians, the massive employment loss following NAFTA, and the devastating effects of defunding public education for consecutive generations.
More central to the film, however, is the vibrant tapestry of voices and personal narratives found within the Delta. The film follows a former news anchor turned church youth leader; a first-generation college student pursuing photography; the journeys of community non profits; and the profound life experiences of town mayors and local citizens. Through these transformational stories, audiences bear witness to extraordinary personal hardships, and their refusal to internalize the narrative of hopelessness.
THEO Avgerinos
DIRECTOR & producer
Theo Avgerinos is an LA-based, Greek-American film director. He has directed three independent feature films. His feature debut, Fifty Pills premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and stars Lou Taylor Pucci, Kristen Bell, Jane Lynch, Eddie Kay Thomas, and Michael Pena. His second feature, Americons, had a limited national release in AMC theaters.
The origins of Rising Hope can be found in Theo’s student documentary short from 2000, featuring Herron Wilson of Indianola, Mississippi and the non-profit mission work in his community.
Lynn ApPelle
Co-Executive Producer
Lynn Appelle began her career taking by pictures of rock stars in Athens, GA. After building a multidimensional career spanning across film, tv, and commercials, she began working in production in NYC. In 2002, she won an Academy Award* for producing the Documentary short film Thoth.
Lynn has been a Line Producer/UPM/Producer for more than 20 years, working on productions such as Still Alice, Lizzie, Gimme Shelter, Urge, Lake City, Rob the Mob, Howl, and numerous others. Recently, she worked on the feature film The Poison Rose with John Travolta, Morgan Freeman and Famke Jannsen, and on the series I’m a Virgo for Amazon Studios.
Alex Wurman
Composer
Acclaimed composer Alex Wurman, recognized for his Emmy-winning score for the HBO film Temple Grandin lends his talents to the powerful new documentary, Rising Hope. His diverse filmography includes scores for the Academy award-winning March of the Penguins, and the cult classic, Anchorman.
Chris lytwyn
DIRECTOR of Photography & Creative Producer
Chris was born in New York City. Four decades later, he was blessed to be part of this film and collaborate with some truly inspiring individuals. Of his contributions to the fields of music, graphic design, and photography, he considers his cinematographic work on Rising Hope to be some of his most personal and resonating.
Jacki Huntington
Co-Producer
Storytelling work has taken Jacki across continents and cultures, from the bustling streets of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, to the serene landscapes of the Mississippi Delta. With a background as a producer at Refinery29 working in New York City and Los Angeles, Jacki has pioneered groundbreaking feminist and body-positive video content that continues to shape the media industry's aesthetic. Jacki has worked as a producer, editor, and composer for a variety of podcasts including The City of the Rails, Under the Influence with Jo Piazza, and Really Good Shares.