A Night to Remember
On November 8, 2025, the historic Virginia Theater in downtown Somerset, Kentucky, hosted the public opening of the Black Mountain Film Festival. Presented by Black Mountain Studios, the event welcomed some of Appalachia’s most talented performers, filmmakers, and artists. Among the featured official selections was a locally produced film titled Souls Chapel, inspired by a real Somerset-area location known for its long history of reported paranormal activity and investigations. The production team was in attendance to represent the film. Director and lead performer, Jake C. Young, appeared on the festival carpet alongside members of the cast. Featured in the photos below are actors Adriana Curtsinger, Joseph McDowell, Darin Etner, Brandon Wilder, and the film’s writer and screenwriter, David Darring. Mr. Young was accompanied by his longtime partner, Karen J. Smiley.
In attendance for the screening of Souls Chapel was about 15 to 30 audience members who joined for festival's screening. Notably, many of the festivals featured guest were not in attendance at the time of screening of Souls Chapel due to many different festivities happening at overlapping times. However, Mr. Young did make a speech before the film stating:
“My mother is here with us today, and she can probably tell you that as a child I walked up and down the streets and I said one day I’m going to make a movie and have it played there.” - in reference to the historic Virginia theater.
Photos by Whitney Stark, courtesy of BMFF
The festival included a curated selection of independent films — from feature-length works to short films and student productions — many likely unfamiliar or underrepresented in mainstream circuits. Beyond screenings, BMFF offered filmmaker Q&As, panel discussions, and events designed to foster networking, learning, and community. A standout feature was a community-oriented “Block Party” on Saturday — described as a free event open to all, with film, music, art, food trucks, and games.
The festival also emphasized regional roots: there was an “Appalachian” focus — films and stories tied to Appalachia — which helps spotlight voices from local, often under-represented communities.
According to one reviewer on the festival’s FilmFreeway page, the first year was “terrific.” They highlighted the friendly atmosphere, strong mission, and execution. Another attendee said they came in with “low expectations — mostly because it was brand new” — but left pleasantly surprised. They praised the renovated venue (the Virginia Theatre), the focus on Appalachian-themed films, and the combination of film + music + community event. BMFF gives a dedicated platform to independent and regional voices — including Appalachian stories — that might not be heard in larger, commercial festivals. That helps diversify the kinds of stories being told about Kentucky and Appalachia.
The festival site lists its co-director/organizer as Joshua Waters. The festival and by extension Black Mountain Studios is tied to the nonprofit PEAK (Powering the Economy Through Arts), which aims to support film and arts infrastructure in the region.
Written by J.R. Qualley
Sources cited from film freeway, instagram, Black Mountain Studios