
Kentucky flood recovery documentary now streaming on Prime Video
A documentary chronicling Eastern Kentucky's recovery from the devastating 2022 floods is now available on Prime Video, expanding its reach beyond regional audiences.
RISING, produced by Team Kentucky, tells the story of communities rebuilding after torrential rain that began July 26, 2022, killed at least 44 people and left hundreds of homes destroyed. The film features accounts from state and federal officials, local leaders, flood survivors, first responders and nonprofit organizations working to restore the region.
The documentary premiered on September 18 at the Mountain Arts Center in Prestonsburg and has since been screened in communities across Kentucky, including a September 27 showing at the Kentucky Theater in downtown Frankfort.
"RISING is a story that shows what's possible when you put your people first, work together and demand a solution that will bring meaningful change," Gov. Andy Beshear said when announcing the film. "The people of Eastern Kentucky are some of the strongest, most resilient people I've ever met, and they deserve a future where their homes and loved ones are safe from floods – and that is what we're creating together."
The documentary documents efforts to relocate residents to high-ground communities being developed across Eastern Kentucky. Whitesburg Mayor Tiffany Craft described the impact, noting that historic flooding left many residents homeless and forced officials to pursue long-term rebuilding plans. "The new high-ground sites in Letcher County, and across Eastern Kentucky, are providing our people with safe housing options," Craft said.
The 60-minute film showcases recovery initiatives that Gov. Beshear has characterized as the most ambitious rebuilding effort in the nation, including projects that move families from flood-prone valleys to safer elevated locations developed on previously abandoned mine sites.