Belmont University student documentary details the past, present of Nashville’s historic Jefferson Street neighborhood
After a successful film festival run, “Exit 207: The Soul of Nashville” will premiere Thursday, Oct. 17 on Nashville PBS.
The documentary, which depicts the history of Jefferson Street in North Nashville, was created over two semesters by Belmont's "Documentary Project" class. The classes were taught by Emmy award-winning assistant professor of journalism and Executive Director of Story Studio Dr. Jen Duck, advised by motion pictures lecturer Jennifer Bergen and featured research guided by Global Honors professor Dr. Mary Ellen Pethel.
Jennifer Bergen, Drs. Jen Duck and Mary Ellen Pethel on stage at the Fisher Center, with Lorenzo Washington pictured on the screen behind.
In a collaborative effort across disciplines and programs at Belmont, students from 20 majors worked together to create the final project.
“After working in the industry for 20 years in various roles, I knew we needed students from nearly every discipline to come together to tell the story,” said Duck. “It was incredible to see students not only develop new technical skills, but also a deeper understanding of storytelling, research and the power of using their own voice to amplify voices in the community who oftentimes aren’t given the agency to tell their own story.”
Students led the entire filmmaking process, resulting in a 20-minute documentary about Jefferson Street. The historically Black neighborhood located along Jefferson Street and its surrounding community faced significant economic and social harm during the construction of I-40 in the 1950s. The documentary seeks to give voice to the rich history of a part of Nashville that continues to uphold its legacy in spite of injustice.
“Though the story is marked by targeted gentrification and destruction, it is also one of hope,” said director of photography Chase Thomson. “We have discovered ways the community still thrives through the people we met and interviewed in the process of making this documentary.”
Since the documentary wrapped in 2023, several private screenings have been held, including a private premiere in the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts and a screening for Belmont students during the 2023 Diversity Week celebration.
“Exit 207” then made its way through the festival circuit. The documentary earned wins in the acclaimed Nashville Film Festival’s student short category and the International Black Film Festival’s short documentary category, among others.
Now, the documentary is premiering to the public on Nashville PBS, with talks of national syndication.
“We were so impressed with the caliber of this student production,” said Becky Magura, President and CEO of Nashville PBS. “It tells such an important story about Nashville and its history. We’re thrilled to be the presenting station for the film, and we can’t wait to share it with viewers here and across the country.”
Catch “Exit 207: The Soul of Nashville” on Nashville PBS beginning Oct. 17 at 8:30 p.m.
