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‘Up Among the Hills: The Story of Fayetteville’ to air on AETN Dec. 2

Posted 26 Feb 2013

“Up Among the Hills: The Story of Fayetteville,” a documentary narrated by former President Bill Clinton that tells the story of the character and characters of Fayetteville from the 1800s to present, will air on the Arkansas Educational Television Network (AETN) Monday, Dec. 2, at 8:30 p.m. The film will rebroadcast Sunday, Dec. 9, at 2 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 30, at 3 p.m.

Fayetteville’s history as a quirky community known for the state’s flagship college and well recognized for its farmers market, town square and off-beat personalities provides interesting fare for this documentary. Described by news reporter Waterman L. Ormsby as a “most inaccessible place” but “flourishing little town” in 1858, the city has played host to a variety of famous figures and eccentric residents. The one-hour film blends artistic images with dramatic voices and recreations to take viewers on a poignant and, at times, humorous trip through the town’s history.

In addition to detailing how Fayetteville became home to the University of Arkansas, “Up Among the Hills” profiles residents including: writers Charles Finger and William Lighton; musicians Buddy Hayes, Ronnie Hawkins and the Cate Brothers; former Fayetteville Daily Democrat and politically minded mother Roberta Fulbright; and the peculiar “old scout” of Mt. Sequoyah. The documentary was inspired by banker and Fayetteville native “Mr. Fayetteville” John Lewis and is dedicated to his memory.

“Up Among the Hills: The Story of Fayetteville” was produced by native son and multiple Emmy Award winning documentary filmmaker Larry Foley. Clinton – who earned his undergraduate degree, married and purchased his first home in the city – narrates. The film features photography by Hayot Tuchiev and a score by composer James Greeson. “Up Among the Hills” was made possible through support provided by The National Endowment for the Humanities, The Friends of the Fayetteville Public Library and the Hershey and Denise Garner Family.

Viewers will have the opportunity to receive the DVD of the program for any contribution of $90 or more to the AETN Foundation. All proceeds will support programming on AETN, Arkansas's PBS affiliate and only statewide public service media network.

The AETN Foundation exists to raise the funds necessary to support AETN’s mission of enhancing lives through trusted public television programs and educational services. The Foundation provides Arkansans opportunities to connect with the only statewide public media outlet by becoming a financial donor, corporate or foundation partner, volunteer, or by other means of giving. The AETN Foundation builds relationships between AETN, donors and viewers and is committed to being a transparent and accountable steward of private financial support.