A new documentary titled Color Beyond the Lines will premiere at the 2025 Tryon International Film Festival, highlighting a significant period in Western North Carolina’s history. Directed by David Weintraub and produced in collaboration with the Center for Cultural Preservation, the film is set to screen on October 11, 2025, at 2 p.m. at the Tryon Fine Arts Center.
The film coincides with the 60th anniversary of school desegregation in Henderson County, with Polk County following suit just two years later. Although the primary focus is on Henderson County, the documentary intricately weaves the narratives of both counties, reflecting their shared history. For many years, a significant portion of Polk County’s Black students attended the Ninth Avenue School in Hendersonville, which served students from Henderson, Transylvania, and Polk counties until integration in 1965.
“We had to find ways to educate our kids,” remarked Ronnie Pepper, president of the Black History Research Group. “Black communities organized educational opportunities in churches and homes, understanding that a quality education was essential for true freedom following slavery.”
The documentary features voices like that of Melinda Lowrance, a Ninth Avenue School alumna and current city council member in Hendersonville. She emphasized the cultural pride fostered in students during this era. “Attending a school where teachers could relate to our experiences was invaluable. Integration may have provided better resources, but it came at the cost of our identity and heritage,” Lowrance stated.
Color Beyond the Lines not only addresses the challenges faced by Black communities in Western North Carolina but also celebrates their resilience. The film highlights community-building efforts through churches such as Star Bethel Baptist and commemorates achievements like the 1972 Hendersonville High Bearcats basketball team, which made history with four Black starters on the court, shortly after integration.
Following the screening, David Weintraub will engage the audience in a discussion, answering questions and offering insights into the documentary’s creation. Tickets for this anticipated event are expected to sell out quickly and can be purchased through the festival’s official website.
The film was produced with generous support from the Community Foundation of Henderson County, the Arts Council of Henderson County, and North Carolina Humanities. The Center for Cultural Preservation, based in Hendersonville, is committed to maintaining mountain heritage through various means, including oral history and educational programming.
For further details about the film and the festival, interested individuals can visit www.tryoninternationalfilmfestival.org or contact the Center for Cultural Preservation at (828) 692-8062.
