Canton's 'Papertown': A Town's Story Unfolds

The documentary "Papertown," created by New Union Studios, delves into the profound impact of the closure of Canton's historic 115-year-old paper mill. This pivotal event, announced shortly before filming began, triggered a regional economic crisis affecting tens of thousands and leading to approximately 1,200 layoffs. The film offers an intimate look at the lives of mill workers and community members during the months leading up to the mill's shutdown in March to May 2023.

The project began as a spontaneous endeavor by six filmmakers who were inspired by news of the closure. They aimed to capture the story from within the community, prioritizing the voices and experiences of those directly affected. This approach led to a grounded narrative, emphasizing neighborliness over political divides, as exemplified by interactions between individuals with differing political views during a time of shared struggle.

"Papertown" features an original song by Dave Matthews, who also serves as an executive producer. His involvement stemmed from a previous collaboration and a shared appreciation for the film's narrative. The documentary's production was also significantly impacted by Tropical Storm Helene, which caused widespread disruption, though the film primarily references earlier flooding events for narrative coherence.

Premiering in Canton and later at the Mountainfilm Festival, "Papertown" received critical acclaim and grants totaling $150,000. Despite the challenges of independent filmmaking, including funding difficulties, the filmmakers formed a new company, New Union, to continue their work. Readers can find more information at www.newunionfilms.com/papertowndoc.