Landee has been the ED since August 2008 and continues to pursue the mission of bringing great film to the region. She graduated from Murray State University with a BFA in Photography and Textiles and an MS in Human Development & Leadership (emphasizing in Non-Profit Organizations). In addition to being part of the Columbia Theatre Restoration, she also serves on the Paducah Main Street Board, is the director of the River's Edge International Film Festival, co-produces the Paducah 48 Hour Film Project, is the co-owner of Bricolage [bree-kuh-lahzh] Art Collective, is a member of the Art House Convergence, a barista at Etcetera Coffeehouse and is a leader in the Kentucky Rural-Urban Exchange (RUX) which inspires statewide collaboration between arts, agriculture and small business as driving forces in economic development.
Staff
John William Holt is Technical Director for The River's Edge International Film Festival and Co-Programmer & Head Projectionist at Maiden Alley Cinema. John was born in Paducah KY and educated at Murray State University. After getting his hands on a camera in 2002 he started making short films full time. He has won several awards and completed his first feature film The Dooms Chapel Horror in 2015 along with being co-founder at the production company Red Band Films.
Alex was born and raised in Paducah. Upon graduating from Murray State University with a degree in television prodution he took a job with WPSD TV. He works part-time at the cinema on the weekends and really enjoys the people, programming and events that make Maiden Alley Cinema so special for this community. When not working he enjoys the company of friends, playing music, reading and spending far too much time at Dry Ground Brewing Company.
Board of Directors
With an extensive background in commercial styling and design, Kerri is an Internal Account Manager at Clix Marketing. She volunteers with the United Way and is also a Board Member with the Yeiser Art Center, serving as Secretary. In addition to curating the @cityofpaducah social media platforms, she serves as an influencer and promoter to the region and throughout the Commonwealth. She resides in Paducah with her husband.
Asia Burnett was the kind of kid who hid books on the playground. Good storytelling in film, radio - and even around the water cooler - is essential. That's why she supports organizations that bring our region stories from around the globe, like Maiden Alley Cinema and Murray State's public radio home, WKMS.
Asia has been hooked on NPR ever since first hearing Garrison Keillor talk about that extraordinary species: the English major. A Murray State gal through and through, she studied English and a whole slew of Liberal Arts as an undergrad and went on to get her Master of Business Administration. She is currently the Development Director for WKMS, 91.3 FM.
She also spends her time on the Leadership Team for the Young Professionals of Murray, as an active (and former board) member of Murray Main Street, and a member of the Murray Woman's Club, where she is Sigma Department's Volunteer of the Year.
She enjoys homemade guacamole, craft beer, fanciful earrings and Johnny Mathis Christmas music.
Kenny was raised in Paducah and is a proud resident of the Fountain Avenue Neighborhood. After graduating from West Kentucky Community & Technical College in 2004 with his Associate of Science degree, Kenny continued his education at the University of Kentucky's Lexington Campus earning a Bachelor's and Master's of Science in Civil Engineering. He has been practicing civil engineering for eight years with HDR Engineering, formerly known as Florence & Hutcheson, and is licensed as a professional engineer in ten different states. Initially serving as a MAC volunteer and a member of Maiden Alley's Oktoberfest Committee, Kenny expanded his role at MAC by becoming the volunteer coordinator and a board member in 2014. In his spare time, Kenny hosts a bi-weekly game night at Dry Ground Brewing Company where he gets to combine two of his hobbies, board games and craft beer.
A Paducah native, Emilee Clark has served as Vice Chair of the MAC/Paducah Film Society board since 2011. She earned a degree in Political Science from West Kentucky Community & Technical College in 2008, and is a founding manager of two Etcetera Coffeehouse locations in Paducah. A life-long love of the arts drew her to Maiden Alley where she helps run concessions during shows, recruits and books musical performers and helps grow the art house's various fundraisers and events. Seeing the Columbia Theatre restored as a valuable community asset is a passion of Emilee's, as are well-done documentaries, porch decorating and pizza.
Adrian Holloman moved to Paducah from Lexington, KY, in August 2013. Having a deep passion for all forms of visual arts, she sound that volunteering at Maiden Alley Cinema was just one way she could reach out and become immersed in the arts community. Currently serving as volunteer coordinator, her passion for Maiden Alley Cinema thrives. She has participated in the 48 Hour Film Project for the last 4 years and is working with local filmmakers to compile a list of possible filming locations in our area to build the footprint of our local film industry. As an employee of Paducah Bank, Adrian is encouraged to get into the community and volunteer. By working with Maiden Alley Cinema, she is able to spread the word about events and volunteer opportunities that may arise. In her spare time, she enjoys performing with Market House Theatre, taking dance classes and is currently working on a novella. She and her husband, Todd, currently live in Paducah with their 2 cats, Rigby and Ed.
John Null has been on the MAC/Paducah Film Society board since 2014. When not watching movies, he's a reporter and host of All Things Considered at WKMS, Murray State's NPR station. He also hosts his own mostly-80s music show, Left of the Dial, Friday nights at 9. Favorite movie: The Night of the Hunter.
Laura Petrie grew up on a farm in Western Kentucky and went into teaching immediately after graduating from Texas Woman’s University. She later obtained a Degree in Communications, and landed a job as a television production technician. She is currently earning her living as a real estate professional in Paducah.
She has worked diligently toward LGBT rights as an organizer and activist. In addition to her community organizing endeavors, Petrie is founder and producer of Cinema Systers Film Festival, the only all lesbian film festival in the USA. Lesbian feminist issues are Laura’s passion.
Tammy is the Dean of the Business and Computer Related Technologies at West Kentucky Community and Technical College. Her teaching field is Information Technology, and she has been in education for 26 years. She is a resident of Lowertown and loves to promote Downtown Paducah and the arts. She has one daughter, Victoria, who is a graduate of Paducah Tilghman and, currently, a junior at Vanderbilt University. She says. "I have learned so much about the art and music scene while serving on the MAC Board. Paducah has so much to offer, and I am proud to be able to promote the efforts of Maiden Alley Cinema."
For the last five years Jessica has shared the stories of artists, writers, musicians, farmers and entrepreneurs to readers in Western Kentucky with readers across the country. Never afraid to ask challenging questions, she brings insight into the lives of the people and the subjects about which she writes. Her personal style and ability to engage her subjects on an intimate level has brought depth and new life to her stories.
She is a frequent contributor to such regional publications as Paducah Life and VUE Magazine. She also provides marketing services and written content for marketing materials for several regional businesses in Western Kentucky and Southern Illinois. She received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Marketing from the University of Louisville in 2000.
Jessica believes that Kentucky has a story to tell and it’s that story that inspires her to continue exploring the possibilities that are often right under our very noses.
President/Owner - René Advertising Specialties, Inc.
Born and raised in Paducah, Robyn was part of the original 5 locals that decided our area was missing a big piece of culture: film. Thus the Paducah Film Society and Sundays at the Cinema were born. Robyn has been active with PFS and Maiden Alley Cinema since their inception and most recently with the Columbia Theatre Restoration Task Force and the newly formed Paducah Art House Alliance (PAHA). Robyn has been chair of the board for the last 12 years.
Audra, raised in Paducah, graduated from Paducah Tilghman, received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Murray State University. She is currently employed at A & K Construction serving as Human Resources Manager. Audra has always been a great supporter of Downtown Paducah and the Arts. After being involved with Maiden Alley through various events, she joined the board in 2015.
Kelvin has always had, and still has a love for movies. Kelvin was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. He did attend Columbia College in Chicago, where he studied Screenwriting for film and television. Kelvin moved to Paducah in 2010, where he still lives now with his wife Amanda. Kelvin and Amanda started a group page on Facebook called We Do Movies. It was just going to be a page for friends who love watching movies. Kelvin started doing movie reviews, and other segments and the page became a hit. He also got the chance to do a We Do Movies radio segment on the show Tweak Central Lounge Radio, which he still does every Monday night.
Kelvin loves movies. Loves to watch, critique, have conversations about movies, good or bad. Kelvin also loves to listen to music, bowl, watch stand up comedy and read comic books.
Johanna is Co-Owner of Etcetera Coffeehouse and etc² in Paducah, KY. She taught English and was yearbook and newspaper adviser at Paducah Tilghman High School from 1996 to 2005. Before that she was reporter, producer, assignment editor, assistant news director, news director and assistant administration manager/operations for WPSD-TV in Paducah from 1973 to 1992. A graduate of Murray State University, she received her BS in Journalism in 1972 and her MS in Secondary Education in 2000. Johanna is married to Allan Rhodes, Jr. They have two children: John T. Rhodes, Devon, PA (Capital planning NE Corridor, Amtrak) and Jean Rhodes, Paducah, KY (Manager, Etcetera Coffeehouse). Johanna is also a member of the Board of Adjustment for city of Paducah.
Teen Scene
Cinema is about sound and vision. It’s the sound part of those ingredients that interest me. I picked up music at an early age and began to explore guitar, mandolin, piano and singing. I have an inherent affinity for music. This, coupled with the lure of a challenge, led me to discover my love for writing music. My compositions are both intimate and panoramic. My influences range from the acoustic to the electronic and my process is uniquely my own allowing me to create a spirited yet subtle sonic experience for the listener. I am always seeking new and innovative approaches to sound creation and application in both my own singular endeavors and with my collaborations with others.
For me, film is a means of escape and entertainment. On those days where you feel overloaded with work or stressed over an important test or event, it is a relief to sit and watch a movie and let the stress fade away. I'm also a bit of a nerd when it comes to movies. I've seen quite a bit more than your average person. My favorite being Monty Python and the Holy Grail, which is undoubtably the best movie ever made. Personally, I have never considered making any kind of film. I applaud those who do though, and support them whole heartedly. Some of the best short films were made by a group of friends that decided they wanted to branch out and have fun with it. At my school I am involved in Prime Rib, Mock Trial, Archery, and have played rolls many of the school's musicals.
Throughout my life, I've always loved watching movies, but within the last 2 years I've begun to appreciate them for more than just entertainment purposes. When I started going to Maiden Alley more often, I was introduced to a lot of new great films and actors/actresses that I wouldn't normally get to see. As an actor, seeing these movies and performances is very inspiring. Watching films with this new mindset has given me new goals to shoot for, along with being able to break down a movie and talk about it. I am also a senior at McCracken County High School, and participate in theatre productions there as well as Market House.
There has never been a time in my life where a good movie wasn’t a reliable friend. I love movies for the several purposes given to the audience. These purposes vary from having a new perspective or a release in thoughts if one relates to a specific character. I will always have this appreciation and continue my little movie runs once a week from our local library. Teen Scene has rekindled my interest and passion towards film. I also partake in acting/directing through the McCracken County High School Theatre Dept. I am currently 17, a senior, and I hope to spend this last year surrounded by nothing but the arts.
Sarah Katz is a junior at Paducah Tilghman. At Tilghman, she is a member of Concert Choir, Concordia, Beta Club, and FBLA. She is also a student intern with the Paducah Human Rights Commission. Sarah has a passion for singing and dancing and loves to perform. She has recently founded Tilghman’s new film club where she plans to work with the other students of the club to make and analyze films throughout the year. Sarah says she is thrilled to be apart of Maiden Alley Teen Scene Board and can’t wait to see all the things we do this year!
I’ve always appreciated a good movie (who doesn’t, right?), and I truly believe that film has shaped who I am. Growing up on Disney movies fueled my imagination and taught me to dream big, even if I am still a little crushed that I’ll never be an actual princess. And through making the transition from happy-go-lucky children’s movies to the classics and newer independent films, I’ve found myself consistently moved and challenged by film after film. These films have helped me become a deeper thinker and a more aware individual. But my favorite thing about film is how for 120 minutes you can sit on your couch eating popcorn, eyes glued to a screen, and entirely forget about the reality around you. The ability to mentally and emotionally transport someone is incredibly powerful. Aside from film, I connect very deeply to the arts in general. Music and theatre have always held extremely special places in my heart, and I have also been pursuing photography for six years. At school I am involved in choir, Concorida, Mock Trial, Speech Team, BETA Club, NHS, and the school newspaper; outside of school I am a member of First Presbyterian Church and perform at Market House Theatre.
From a young age I have always been interested in the arts, and I have been in musicals and plays since I was six years old. The stage is my second home, and I feel so comfortable there. As I'm getting older, I am starting to become more interested in other forms of the arts. Film and photography are very interesting to me, and it's awesome that I get to come to Maiden Alley and enjoy film and the community. I'm so excited to be on Teen Scene, and I'm happy to be involved in this great group!
Film gives people an escape from reality, and I appreciate that. It also gives the actors themselves a chance to express themselves artistically. I actually helped make a short film this summer. It was one of the most interesting experiences I've ever had. I've been doing theater since I was young, but film is so very different. With soundtrack, more than one take, and multiple-day long shoots, it was completely new to me. It opened my eyes to the process and I appreciate it so much more. Now, when I watch movies I can appreciate the artistry that goes into a single movie.
I enjoy movies because they give people a way to start a conversation, share their opinions, and connect with others. You can easily learn a great deal about a person by letting them tell you their experience with movies, for instance, what genres they like, which actors they relate to, when they feel the need to watch them, etcetera. I’m so excited to be on the Teen Scene board this year because I am constantly searching for more ways to grow as an artist and as a person. If one allows them self, one can learn something from every single movie they watch, whether they enjoy it or not. Although my niche is live performing and theatre, I believe that film and theatre can learn from one another, and the two art forms benefit from thriving in the same world and culture.
Film has always been a big part of my life. It's just a thing in our house to watch movies all the time, and someone's always quoting a movie. (More often than not for my dad it's something Peewee Herman said). Movies have always provided me a new adventure. One will start, and I'll dive in completely. And then the next one starts, and it's a whole new emotional experience! I just love how some movies can make us so effortlessly connect to other people and characters and their lives and how they act and think. It's truly incredible and just makes me feel a warmth in my heart like nothing else can. Thought I'm mainly a visual artist, I highly appreciate the astonishing work of film and let it fill my life. I'm also involved in Future Problem Solvers, 4H, Vans Custom Culture Shoe Design Team, FBLA, and Environmental Club at school.
Film is has become something I'm passionate about because of the way I've seen it incorporate my love for stories, visual art, music, and numerous other art forms. It helps me understand other people through vicarious experience of their lives or certain events, and that has truly made me a more understanding, compassionate, and educated person. I can learn about everything from how other families eat dinner to what it was like to live through the Civil War in a way that is immensely enjoyable, even when sad or uncomfortable. Film holds a special significance for me since I am pursuing an acting career. It is a way to learn more about something I love and study people I admire.
I am a senior at Paducah Tilghman and at school I am involved in speech team, academic team, Concordia, film club, our school musicals, NHS, and FCA. Outside of school, I am involved in the Reidland Church of Christ Youth Group and Market House Theatre dance and productions.
I’ve been making home movies since fifth grade. What started as just a dumb thing my friends and I did for fun (uploading poor quality, pixelated videos to YouTube, filmed on my flip phone) became my life’s dream and pursuit to become a professional filmmaker. Film has provided the perfect creative outlet for me throughout my entire life. I am continually devising images in my mind, characters, and stories that I have no other way to share than through film. Often as a child you would find me watching and rewinding the original Star Wars trilogy and Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man films on VHS. They captured my imagination and forged my way of thinking more than anything or anyone ever has. Film, to me, is a way capturing the human spirit, imagination, and palpable emotion, and putting them together to form something that affects someone in a way that makes them think about something or feel a certain way. Film is an escape for me and for many. I’m still making short films with friends (with a Canon T3i and actual equipment) and am currently involved with the theatre department at McCracken County High School.
Being a middle class child born in the late 90’s, movies were always familiar to me. As I’ve been told, when I was very young I used to watch Pixar’s A Bug’s Life every day. But as I grew older I began to appreciate film more and more as I became more knowledgeable of the artistic media. Films are obviously not just for entertainment, from certain films I’ve learned morals, and had real, emotional experiences with them. I’ve even found my career path. I love and always will love the art of movies because they have had such an impact on my life. I am part of the Tilghman Men’s A Cappella group Prime Rib, and an active actor at Market House
I have been infatuated with film ever since I was a little girl. When I was a wee tot, the determining factors of whether a film was worth anything was the small details that are shoved into them. These small things varied from the aesthetic of the characters rooms to the character's choice of lipstick. I guess you could say that this is still my determining factor of what defines a five star movie. I've obviously matured though on what I think those small things are. A smile always pops up on my face when I see a symmetrical shot (that’s the main reason that I'm in love with Wes Anderson), or if an amazing song comes on that perfectly portrays the emotion of the scene, or even, just like when I was a kid, an aesthetically pleasing scene comes upon the screen. I believe that little details and quirks are what make films great, because you know that there was a lot of thought put into it. Indie films are the advocates for this appreciation of little quirks and that is why I love Maiden Alley so much, because Maiden Alley is a huge supporter of these films. I can't wait to help circulate to my peers these types of awesome movies!
I am also involved in PT Varsity Soccer and Tennis, NHS, the Paducah Tilghman Bell Staff, PT Theatre and Choir Department. In my free time I play the piano, draw, watch movies, write, and read too many articles on Pitchfork.
I've always enjoyed watching movies, but haven't fully appreciated the art of cinema until this past year. I've been introduced to a lot of awesome films, and now feel I can watch a film and break down all the aspects that make it great. I also really enjoy watching honest performances from fantastic actors. As an actress myself, seeing people portray these raw characters inspires me to further improve my acting. I also participate in HA! Teen Improv Troupe, weekly vocal lessons, and am currently in Market House's "Junie B. Jones: Batman Smells!" That's about it.
Film is so important to me that I am currently making plans for a career in filmmaking after high school. Film is my biggest obsession, and I've fallen in love with it even more since I've started seeing movies at Maiden Alley. Most free time I have is spent watching movies or reading about them. I'm excited for the coming year in cinema and I'm excited to see what Maiden Alley has in store.
Film has been a major part of my life throughout many stages. Whether it be watching them when I was a kid on long car trips, or now when I simply want to enjoy a nice evening with my friends, film has been something I always had in my life. Last summer, I attended the Governor's Scholar Program with a focus in Film Studies. This opportunity allowed me to see the use of film as an art form, instead of only a way to tell a narrative. This mindset is something that'll stick with me for the rest of my life.
