About the documentary
In
"Books and Bridges," JoAnn Ray discusses the history of her bookstore, Stonebridge Books, and she explains how it is growing into more than just a simple, small-town Christian bookstore. Following a move to a new building, JoAnn and her husband Lynn have expanded to include a coffee shop and a music and performing arts
venue, which have drawn positive attention
from the community. However, in order to survive Jo and Lynn must do more
than draw attention. In a sense, they have to change their community.
By capturing the struggles of these small business owners, I hope to show two individuals who, in their work and their relationships,
are citizens in the most real sense of the word.
About the creator, Rachel Ray
I
grew up in a rural town outside of Nashville, TN, and I spent much
of my childhood loving the natural beauty of the country. Ironically,
this town is no longer very beautiful. The influences of development
continues to alter the dynamics of what was once a thriving small community. Some of the changes are more convenient, but most of them have turned my town into isolated, individualistic living spaces.
While much of my love may derive from reminiscent
sentimentality, I think much of it has to do with my longing to see
individuals as neighbors instead of strangers. All
my love for communities gives me great respect for my parent's bookstore
and what they are trying to do with their community. Being an
active citizen in a community is difficult, especially when that community
is being influenced by development that offers no stability or growth
for the community itself. The struggles of small businesses and
community service grow with the introduction of huge outside businesses,
and with my documentary, "Books and Bridges," I hope to give a
glimpse into the workings of a business that is still attempting to
function as a part of a community.
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