Applewise

Anthony Slone. 1997. 3/4" U-matic. 

Applewise is an insider’s portrait of the Mullins family, third generation apple growers, and their struggle to maintain and manage one of only two remaining family-run apple orchards in Wise County, Virginia. The film follows the growing seasons as family members try to keep the orchard business profitable while struggling with pesticide issues and sustainability, and others look to the coal industry to strike it rich. In following Roy Mullins, his parents, and his brother in their attempts to make a go of the apple business, Applewise tells the story of a family that is on one hand extraordinarily industrious and inventive, but on the other hand not unlike most American families who are trying to seize the opportunities around them, to earn a living, and look after the next generation. The documentary explores issues of self-sustainable agriculture and sustainable land management, corporate competition, pesticide use and family unity.

“Anthony Slone’s documentary Applewise looks at the ‘death’ of business for once-thriving apple growers in Wise County, Virginia. … The documentary ends with a poignant, tragic scene of the orchard – as the camera-angle widens and pulls back, the viewer sees the strip mining equipment in the distance and hears the roar of machinery. Good stuff for those who want to delve into social & cultural history.” — Southeast Community College

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