Huntington Times

Marshall University’s Tijah Bumgarner, a professor of video production and filmmaker, initiated production this month on her latest feature film, “Of the Cloth.” The film delves into the societal role of churches in communities ravaged by the opioid epidemic and was shot over 10 days on location in Huntington. The production team included Patrick Ward-Perkins, local actors, a crew of local professionals, alumni of Marshall’s School of Art & Design, and current students in Marshall’s BFA Filmmaking program.

“Of the Cloth” explores churches’ influence in communities, particularly in areas besieged by the opioid crisis. The narrative centers around a young pastor assigned to lead a church in an impoverished Appalachian town. It captures his journey as his naïve idealism about aiding a woman battling substance abuse disorder collides with the stark realities of life and the complexities of organized religion.

“I was raised in a small town in West Virginia where the church was the center of my social life, but it wasn’t until researching Appalachia for my Ph.D. that I understood a truer need for church within the community,” Bumgarner said. Her experience with the socio-cultural fabric of Appalachia informs the film’s portrayal of the struggles and resilience of its people.

In the collaborative effort to create a film, Marshall alumni and current BFA Filmmaking students played integral roles, contributing to various aspects of the filmmaking process. Students took on responsibilities such as assistant director, assistant to camera, grip, gaffer, lighting, production assistants, and even appeared as extras in the film. The hands-on experience provided them with invaluable practical learning opportunities, reinforcing the program’s commitment to preparing students for successful careers in the industry, Bumgarner said.

Alumni who returned to support the project made efforts to coordinate their busy schedules working on projects across locations such as California, Alaska, and Atlanta but regarded “Of the Cloth” as a prestigious endeavor.

“We would do anything to support Tijah,” said Marshall alumna April Ellis.

The film will be screened in 2025. Contact the School of Art & Design for details at 304-696-6760.