West Virginia

What is it that ties us to the state where we currently live and adopt it as the one we're "from"? How does living in our states define us? States of America is a series of short documentaries--one from each of our 50 states--that ask these questions by featuring everyday people as diverse as the landscape in the places they call home. This is a story of West Virginia.

Though Hanna grew up wandering the mountains of West Virginia, her passion for understanding a larger universe took her to Silicon Valley, NASA, and eventually back to her Appalachian roots in the National Radio Quiet Zone, a region defined by its ban of radio transmitting devices. Here she negotiates communication and a sense of belonging with beloved neighbors and friends that often come from opposing ideological tribes.

*States of America is created and produced by Brad Barber

*West Virginia is directed and shot by Brad Barber, edited by Alyssa Clegg, colored by Austin Davis, with music by Micah Dahl Anderson. Title design by Brian Turley and Mark T. Lewis.

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Virginia

What is it that ties us to the state where we currently live and adopt it as the one we're "from"? How does living in our states define us? States of America is a series of short documentaries--one from each of our 50 states--that ask these questions by featuring everyday people as diverse as the landscape in the places they call home. This is a story of Virginia.

As a young quadriplegic law school grad, living in a place with strong public transportation accessibility options was a must for Daniel. Wheelchair accessible taxis have made every part of his daily commute easier and allow him to be more spontaneous.

*States of America is created and produced by Brad Barber

*Virginia is directed and shot by Brad Barber, edited by Lacey Duncan, colored by Austin Davis, with music by Micah Dahl Anderson. Title design by Brian Turley and Mark T. Lewis.

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Washington

What is it that ties us to the state where we currently live and adopt it as the one we're "from"? How does living in our states define us? States of America is a series of short documentaries--one from each of our 50 states--that ask these questions by featuring everyday people as diverse as the landscape in the places they call home. This is a story of Washington.

In 1983, Mohinder moved to Northwest Washington and became the first Sikh person to start berry farming in the region. Since then his farm has thrived, he helped build a temple, and his service and leadership in the community planted seeds for a vibrant group of over 100 Sikh berry farmers today.

*States of America is created and produced by Brad Barber

*Washington is directed by Brad Barber and Susan Krueger-Barber, shot by Brad Barber, edited and colored by Austin Davis, with music by Micah Dahl Anderson. Title design by Brian Turley and Mark T. Lewis.

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Oklahoma

What is it that ties us to the state where we currently live and adopt it as the one we're "from"? How does living in our states define us? States of America is a series of short documentaries--one from each of our 50 states--that ask these questions by featuring everyday people as diverse as the landscape in the places they call home. This is a story of Oklahoma.

Chuck and his family narrowly survived an EF5 tornado by escaping their house minutes before it, and his neighborhood, were leveled. Despite this, Chuck rebuilt his home on the same plot, determined not to let any storm keep him from living where he wants to.

*States of America is created and produced by Brad Barber

*Oklahoma is field produced and shot by Cameron Babcock, edited by Michael Stanley, colored by Michael Ashman, with music by Micah Dahl Anderson. Title design by Brian Turley and Mark T. Lewis.

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Maryland

What is it that ties us to the state where we currently live and adopt it as the one we're "from"? How does living in our states define us? States of America is a series of short documentaries--one from each of our 50 states--that ask these questions by featuring everyday people as diverse as the landscape in the places they call home. This is a story of Maryland.

While serving a life sentence in a Maryland prison as a 17 year old, Chris sat down and wrote out what he called his “master plan” of all the things he believed he could do in his life, then got to work. After reinventing himself over 15 years with a college degree, multiple languages, and a passion for learning, he was released and dedicated his new life to providing opportunities to an underserved community in Baltimore.

*States of America is created and produced by Brad Barber

*Maryland is directed and shot by Brad Barber, edited by Hannah G. Hughes, with music by Micah Dahl Anderson. Title design by Brian Turley and Mark T. Lewis.

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New York

What is it that ties us to the state where we currently live and adopt it as the one we're "from"? How does living in our states define us? States of America is a series of short documentaries--one from each of our 50 states--that ask these questions by featuring everyday people as diverse as the landscape in the places they call home.

Karen has lived in the Hudson River Valley for many years and loves her community. Teaching English to Spanish speakers and keeping up her town's park as a volunteer are passions that allow her to meet people from different backgrounds and hear new ideas.

*States of America is created and produced by Brad Barber.  
*New York is directed and shot by Brad Barber, edited by Melody Chow, with music by Micah Dahl Anderson.
Title design by Brian Turley and Mark T. Lewis.

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Idaho

What is it that ties us to the state where we currently live and adopt it as the one we're "from"? How does living in our states define us? States of America is a series of short documentaries--one from each of our 50 states--that ask these questions by featuring everyday people as diverse as the landscape in the places they call home.

Evaristo was born in Mexico but moved to Idaho decades ago (legally) as a teen for work. For most of his life he has run a tractor here and worked long hours with local farmers. His children have all been raised in Idaho and his desire to return to Mexico wanes as he comes to terms with living most of his life in the states, between two cultures.

*States of America is created and produced by Brad Barber.

*Idaho is directed shot and edited by Stephen Nelson, with music by Micah Dahl Anderson. Title design by Brian Turley and Mark T. Lewis.

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Maine

What is it that ties us to the state where we currently live and adopt it as the one we're "from"? How does living in our states define us? States of America is a series of short documentaries--one from each of our 50 states--that ask these questions by featuring everyday people as diverse as the landscape in the places they call home. This is a story of Maine.

Nancy "3” Hoffman curates the world's only Umbrella Cover Museum on an island off the coast of Maine. Here she embraces a community that welcomes eccentricity and self reliance as she pursues her life's purpose of bringing laughter and joy to others.

*States of America is created and produced by Brad Barber
*Maine shot and directed by Brad Barber, edited by Peter Totten, color by Ryan Romanovitch with music by Micah Dahl Anderson. Title design by Brian Turley and Mark T. Lewis.

For more information contact Brad Barber at bradbarberpictures at gmail dot com.

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Nebraska

What is it that ties us to the state where we currently live and adopt it as the one we're "from"? How does living in our states define us? States of America is a series of short documentaries--one from each of our 50 states--that ask these questions by featuring everyday people as diverse as the landscape in the places they call home.

With vivid memories of being harassed and attacked as a child, Dereck manages the isolation and suspicion he is dealt by his near all-white surroundings in Nebraska through his punk rock and electronic music. A lifetime of bucking expectations and cultivating a thriving musical community has brought him to a place where he no longer seeks permission to belong.

*States of America is created and produced by Brad Barber

*Nebraska is directed by Stephen V. Nelson and Brad Barber, shot by Stephen V. Nelson and Chad Wallin, edited by Erik Naumann, colored by Michael Ashman, with music by Micah Dahl Anderson. Title design by Brian Turley and Mark T. Lewis.

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Oregon

What is it that ties us to the state where we currently live and adopt it as the one we're "from"? How does living in our states define us? States of America is a series of short documentaries--one from each of our 50 states--that ask these questions by featuring everyday people as diverse as the landscape in the places they call home.

I-Shüan grew up with a unique name in a multicultural family in a mostly-white Tennessee suburb. Her mom is from Taiwan, her dad is from California, her husband is from Utah, and her kids are from Korea. Living somewhere that embraces diversity became a high priority, and for her, Oregon has been just that place.

*States of America is created and produced by Brad Barber. 

*Oregon is directed by Brad Barber, shot by Scott Christopherson and Brad Barber, edited by Jessica Marquis Bryant, with music by Micah Dahl Anderson. Title design by Brian Turley and Mark T. Lewis.

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Massachusetts

What is it that ties us to the state where we currently live and adopt it as the one we're "from"? How does living in our states define us? States of America is a series of short documentaries--one from each of our 50 states--that ask these questions by featuring everyday people as diverse as the landscape in the places they call home.

Doug is in his freshman year at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. A native Californian, he is learning to adapt to the east coast as he settles in to the rigors of Ivy League studies. Many college students find themselves split between 2 states for 4 years but Doug believes one may make a place your home simply by choosing it.

*States of America is created and produced by Brad Barber
*Massachusetts is directed and shot by Brad Barber, edited by Nate Christofferson, with music by Micah Dahl Anderson. Title design by Brian Turley and Mark T. Lewis.

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Wyoming

What is it that ties us to the state where we currently live and adopt it as the one we're "from"? How does living in our states define us? States of America is a series of short documentaries--one from each of our 50 states--that ask these questions by featuring everyday people as diverse as the landscape in the places they call home. This is a story of Wyoming.

People come to Jackson, Wyoming for many different reasons; for Sven it was simply the promise of a high-paying summer job. Although he didn't find riches, he discovered a passion for the wilds of an American frontier and the Teton Mountains. Like many Jacksonites, he’s seeking balance between paying the high bills and pursuing the next peak.

*States of America is created and produced by Brad Barber.

*Wyoming is directed by John Bills and Brad Barber, shot and edited by John Bills, with music by Micah Dahl Anderson. Title design by Brian Turley and Mark T. Lewis.

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New Hampshire

What is it that ties us to the state where we currently live and adopt it as the one we're "from"? How does living in our states define us? States of America is a series of short documentaries--one from each of our 50 states--that ask these questions by featuring everyday people as diverse as the landscape in the places they call home.

Lisa grew up in Kentucky and has the proud accent to prove it. 11 years ago she moved to New Hampshire and planted roots with her family to stay for the long haul. While her new northern neighbors sometimes don’t know what to make of this, she is comfortable and happy with her brand of north-south heritage, and enjoys New Hampshire's unique role in presidential elections.

*States of America is created and produced by Brad Barber. 
*New Hampshire is directed by Brad Barber, shot by Tim Mills, edited by Greg Williams, with music by Micah Dahl Anderson. Title design by Brian Turley and Mark T. Lewis.

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Connecticut

What is it that ties us to the state where we currently live and adopt it as the one we're "from"? How does living in our states define us? States of America is a series of short documentaries--one from each of our 50 states--that ask these questions by featuring everyday people as diverse as the landscape in the places they call home.

As a young single mother of 3, Joyce moved from St. Vincent to the states after seeing a newspaper ad about housekeeping jobs there. Eventually she landed in Connecticut and began working with children, ultimately adopting 6 more of her own and becoming something of a matriarch in her New Haven neighborhood.

*States of America is created and produced by Brad Barber
*Connecticut is directed by Cambell Christensen & Brad Barber, shot by Cambell Christensen, edited by Cambell Christensen & Stephanie Cook, with music by Micah Dahl Anderson. Title design by Brian Turley and Mark T. Lewis.

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Rhode Island

What is it that ties us to the state where we currently live and adopt it as the one we're "from"? How does living in our states define us? States of America is a series of short documentaries--one from each of our 50 states--that ask these questions by featuring everyday people as diverse as the landscape in the places they call home. This is a story of Rhode Island.

Jack Welch is a native of Rhode Island and has called the Ocean State his home for all 82 years of his life. A former beloved teacher and principal, he is now a volunteer for Meals on Wheels, a tour guide with the Providence Preservation Society, and an avid cyclist. Jack believes that the people you spend your life with have the greatest potential to inspire you—a creed he embodies with his own life-affirming, cheerful service to others.

*States of America is created and produced by Brad Barber
*Rhode Island is directed and shot by Brad Barber, edited by Kelton Davis, with music by Micah Dahl Anderson. Title design by Brian Turley and Mark T. Lewis.

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Hawaii

What is it that ties us to the state where we currently live and adopt it as the one we're "from"? How does living in our states define us? States of America is a series of short documentaries--one from each of our 50 states--that ask these questions by featuring everyday people as diverse as the landscape in the places they call home.

Patricia is a passionate advocate for preserving and sharing the culture of her native island home. She is a master quilter, threading a deep devotion to ancestry, tradition, and Ohana into her work. Driven by an an abiding connection to the ocean, mountains, and skies, being Hawaiian, she says, is her pulse.

*States of America is created and produced by Brad Barber. 
*Hawaii is directed by Kelyn Ikegami and Brad Barber, shot by Kelyn Ikegami, edited by Hunter Phillips, with music by Micah Dahl Anderson. Title design by Brian Turley and Mark T. Lewis.

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Montana

What is it that ties us to the state where we currently live and adopt it as the one we're "from"? How does living in our states define us? States of America is a series of short documentaries--one from each of our 50 states--that ask these questions by featuring everyday people as diverse as the landscape in the places they call home.

It was the past that brought Dave to present-day Montana. His paleontology work over the past 20 years in the wilderness of Big Sky country has provided him a unique insight to the Montana of 75 million years ago. While focused mainly on changes in the Earth's crust that take millennia, Dave also observes more rapid changes in the evolution of his once sleepy college town.

*States of America is created and produced by Brad Barber.

*Montana is directed, shot, and edited by John Bills, with music by Micah Dahl Anderson. Title design by Brian Turley and Mark T. Lewis. 

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Indiana

What is it that ties us to the state where we currently live and adopt it as the one we're "from"? How does living in our states define us? States of America is a series of short documentaries--one from each of our 50 states--that ask these questions by featuring everyday people as diverse as the landscape in the places they call home.  This is a story of Indiana.

A born and bred Hoosier, Randy explains the value he places on his sense of belonging, as well as connecting to those that have gone before. From a surprising discovery of infant skeletons in his cellar to a backyard memorial he made for his deceased brother whose body was never recovered, he reflects on the nature of death and the importance of where a person is buried.

*States of America is created and produced by Brad Barber
*Indiana directed by Brad Barber, edited by Mark Lewis, shot by Brad Barber, music by Micah Dahl Anderson. Title design by Brian Turley and Mark T. Lewis.

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Vermont

What is it that ties us to the state where we currently live and adopt it as the one we're "from"? How does living in our states define us? States of America is a series of short documentaries--one from each of our 50 states--that ask these questions by featuring everyday people as diverse as the landscape in the places they call home.

Growing up in a military family, Kelly lived in twelve different states as a child.  After college she was anxious to put down roots and chose a rural community in Vermont to start a new life.  A husband and two sons later, she built a house herself on a remote plot of land and hopes to give her family a connection to place she never had. 

*States of America is created and produced by Brad Barber
*Vermont is directed by Brad Barber, edited by Mark T. Lewis, shot by Lisa Mills and Brad Barber, with music by Micah Dahl Anderson.  Title design by Brian Turley and Mark T. Lewis. 

For more information contact Brad Barber at bradbarberpictures at gmail dot com

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New Mexico

What is it that ties us to the state where we currently live and adopt it as the one we're "from"? How does living in our states define us? States of America is a series of short documentaries--one from each of our 50 states--that ask these questions by featuring everyday people as diverse as the landscape in the places they call home.

Floyd is a retired educator who has spent his life dedicated to the Navajo people. Through his years as an activist, teacher, and community leader, he has seen his share of struggles and dualities experienced by the Navajo nation in the Land of Enchantment. 

*States of America is created and produced by Brad Barber. 
*New Mexico is directed by Kelyn Ikegami and Brad Barber, edited by Kelyn Ikegami, shot by Kelyn Ikegami, Hunter Phillips, and Colten Ashley, with music by Micah Dahl Anderson. Title design by Brian Turley and Mark T. Lewis. 

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