The Athena Cinema is a staple of Athens culture. It’s nestled perfectly into the center of uptown, surrounded by the bars and dives, along with the student rentals on Court Street. The theater is loved by both students and locals, and it frequently puts on special showings.
The Appalachian Film Stories Series, From the Hills and Hollers, launched in 2022, and returns for its fourth consecutive year. The series focuses on showcasing the rich history of Appalachia, whose foothills begin in southeastern Ohio. The latest installment in the series is “O Pioneer,” a well-reviewed documentary following three West Virginians that shows on January 29th, 2026, at 7pm.
What’s “O Pioneer” About?
At the heart of “O Pioneer” are the three people it follows: a blacksmith, a seamstress, and a hospital chaplain. All three are West Virginians who must navigate hardships while also contending with a pandemic and personal matters.
The film, guided by the narration of poet Kaïa Kater — who studied Appalachian music in West Virginia — takes archival footage from the pioneer era, intersplicing it beautifully between shots following the film’s own pioneers.
Don’t Miss the Speaker Before the Showing
Much like other film and documentary showings in the Hills and Hollers series, the Athena Cinema invited a guest speaker to discuss the film — spoiler-free, of course — before it shows.
Ohio University’s own Dr. Tiffany Arnold will speak before the showing of “O Pioneer.” Arnold coordinates the Appalachian Studies Undergraduate and Graduate Certification Programs in the university’s College of Health Sciences and Professions.
The best part about the showing? It’s free. Tickets for the event are required, though, so make sure to reserve your spot before the showing on January 29th at 7pm.