Filmmakers capture a young man finding his voice as a leader and his incredible journey against the odds. Igniting a movement known as FROM THE HOOD TO THE HOLLER,political activist Charles Booker works to unite people of all socioeconomic backgrounds while fighting against big money in politics, voter suppression, and systemic corruption.

For Kentucky, 2020 was an especially difficult year. The Covid-19 crisis compounded with the aftermath of Breonna Taylor’s murder highlighted systemic issues in a state that has suffered from stark inequality for decades. As one of the poorest states in the nation, Kentucky has some of the worst access in the U.S. to education, healthcare, and clean drinking water. It’s ironic that a state with some of the most disenfranchised people is represented by one of the most powerful politicians in the country; Mitch McConnell. 

Running in the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate seat held by Mitch McConnell, Charles Booker attempts one of the biggest upsets in political history by challenging establishment-backed candidate Amy McGrath. FROM THE HOOD TO THE HOLLER follows Booker’s campaign across Kentucky, from the most urban to the most rural settings, with Booker and his team rewriting the campaign playbook. Instead of exploiting divisions, they lean into the idea that average Kentuckians have common bonds, united by their shared day-to-day fight to survive. Booker works to represent Kentuckians, both Black and White, who feel entirely left out of the political process. His message is simple: Whether you are from the city “hood” — like Booker — or the Appalachian “holler,” you are not invisible.

FROM THE HOOD TO THE HOLLER was directed by Pat McGee and produced by Terry Hahin, Adam Linkenhelt, Gregory Taylor, and McGee. It has a running time of 102 minutes and will not be rated by the MPAA. The film was won 8 awards including Audience Choice at 2022 Cleveland International Film Festival and Best Documentary at 2022 Brooklyn Film Festival. Double Exposure Distribution will release the film in LA, NY and additional select markets on September 16. Pat McGee Pictures will release the film on digital platforms on September 30.

The Filmmaking team is thrilled to announce Charles Booker is the first black person to ever be nominated to the U.S. Senate in the state of Kentucky. Charles Booker now squares off against Senator Rand Paul in the general election.