Jacksonville, AL – Jacksonville State University’s Longleaf Studios, in collaboration with Alabama Public Television, is set to debut its latest documentary, A Legacy of Progress: The Jim Folsom Jr. Story, with a special premiere screening on Thursday, February 27. The exclusive event will take place on the 11th floor of Jax State’s Houston Cole Library, giving attendees the first look at the film before its statewide broadcast on Alabama Public Television later that evening.
Produced by Longleaf Studios at Jacksonville State University, A Legacy of Progress: The Jim Folsom Jr. Story delves into the transformative tenure of Alabama’s 50th governor, Jim Folsom Jr. His leadership played a crucial role in modernizing the state’s infrastructure, advancing racial relations, and spurring economic development. A key highlight of his administration was securing the Mercedes-Benz manufacturing plant in Vance, Alabama, a move that established the state as a major player in the automotive industry. The documentary also examines Folsom’s efforts to distance Alabama from its segregationist past and his vision for a more inclusive and prosperous future.
The premiere event will commence with a reception at 6 p.m. in room 1103A, followed by the screening at 7 p.m. Attendees will then have the opportunity to engage in a panel discussion at 8 p.m., moderated by Jacksonville State’s Pete Conroy. The panel will feature distinguished guests, including former Governor Jim Folsom Jr. and First Lady Marsha Folsom, Alabama political columnist Steve Flowers, former Alabama Finance Director Jim White, and Jax State alumnus Charlie Waldrep, who served as Folsom’s Chief of Staff. This discussion will provide valuable insights into Folsom’s administration, Alabama’s evolving political landscape, and the lasting impact of his policies. The event is set to conclude at 9 p.m.
Filmmakers Seth Johnson, Joel Evans, and Rebekah Hall-Evans will also be present, alongside Film and Design students who contributed extensively to the documentary’s production. Caleb Woods, Samantha Jiminez, and Abdul Bashiru Yussif will be available to discuss their experiences and the creative process behind the film’s development, offering attendees an exclusive behind-the-scenes look.
For those unable to attend the Jacksonville premiere, a second screening will be held on March 6 at The Library Theatre at Hoover Public Library. Hosted by Alabama Public Television, The Library Theatre, and Longleaf Studios, this event will follow the same format, beginning with a reception at 6 p.m., the screening at 6:30 p.m., and a panel discussion at 8 p.m. featuring the same distinguished guests. Interested attendees can reserve their seats for the Hoover premiere here.
Jacksonville State University and Longleaf Studios are proud to present this compelling documentary, which provides an in-depth exploration of a pivotal era in Alabama’s history. A Legacy of Progress: The Jim Folsom Jr. Story offers a unique opportunity to reflect on the leadership that shaped the state’s future, while the panel discussions promise to deliver firsthand perspectives on Folsom’s administration and its enduring legacy.
