After eight years a film project about the Appalachian Mountains and its people is finally ready, and award-winning filmmakers Ross Spears and Jamie Ross of Agee Films will come to Knoxville on Saturday, Sept. 27, to debut their work.

The film premiere is presented by the Arts and Sciences department as part of their Ready for the World initiative.  Introductions from Robert J. Hinde, associate dean of arts and science, and Todd Diacon, vice provost for academic operations, will commence the premiere at 1 p.m at McClung Museum.

Sissy Spacek narrates a story that follows the Appalachian Mountain Range through changes in time and culture.

Hinde said, "The film looks at things with a multidisciplinary lens. Sociological, biological, geological and anthropological facets combine to make an interesting view of Appalachia. I've seen part of the third (episode) and it really looks amazing."

The documentary is a sum of four separate hour-long parts, which are detailed in the sidebar.

Hinde says the producers of the film introduced the idea to hold the world premiere at the University.

Ross, the film's producer, said, "It's in the heart of the region. It lended its talents to us. Knoxville is the incarnation of some of the best values of the region -- smarts, independence, energy and diversity."

Hinde said the documentary's insight into the intercultural history of our own particular region is as important to the Ready for the World campaign as is the understanding of foreign cultures.

Reserved seats for the debut screening on Saturday are no longer available, but there is now a secondary screening Sunday, Sept. 28, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. No reservation is needed for Sunday's showing.

The documentary will make its TV debut on PBS in February 2009.