Ozark Tourism Recovery & Resilience Project

This multi-year project, completed in 2022 with major funding from U.S. Department of Commerce - Economic Development Administration, used digital media to introduce those outside the area to the many natural and cultural experiences, and unique artisan products, available in the Ozarks. Our goal was to expand the tourism economy year-round and help build economic resilience in the smaller towns of the Ozarks and the Mississippi Delta Region, following devastating flooding in 2017.

This project enabled Ozark Vitality to bring accomplished filmmakers into the southeast Missouri Ozarks to develop high quality short documentary films for the My Ozarks documentary film series. The videos in this series generated economic opportunities for artisans and local businesses across the region by expanding the limited tourism season, by time and variety of activities, and expanding the markets for artisan goods and cultural experiences available to tourists when they come to the area. Each film we produced was an opportunity to engage and develop local creatives to help build the area’s capabilities and reputation for high quality digital media production.

My Ozarks Documentary Film Series

My Ozarks is a collection of short, intimate portraits of real people, places and experiences in the Ozarks. Our goal is to increase interest in the Ozarks and help generate economic opportunities for artisans and entrepreneurs across the region, helping rural artists and innovators earn a living without leaving the communities they love.