Slovak, Arkansas Documentary

Say Ahojte (Hello) to Slovaktown, Arkansas, USA!!

Why Slovaktown, Arkansas?

Slovaktown, Arkansas is a rural community founded in 1894 by Slovak immigrants seeking a life that aligned with their cultural values. Guided by Slovak-American leader Peter V. Rovnianek, they built a settlement that, despite environmental hardships, endured and developed into a distinct Slovak-Southern-American culture that still exists today.

In recent years, residents have taken active steps to preserve their heritage—sharing photos, documents, and oral histories. UpRooted Media was invited in not to tell the story for them, but to work with them—amplifying their voice through a professional, collaborative documentary project rooted in community input.

Interest in Slovaktown is also growing internationally. Milan Čupka, a leading Slovak journalist, recently featured the town in his bestselling book What Is Huncút?, and Radio Slovensko invited the UpRooted Media team to share the story of Slovaktown on their international broadcast—further demonstrating the cultural and historical importance of this community on a global scale. In addition, UpRooted Media helped coordinate the visit of the Slovak Ambassador to the United States, who attended and presented at Slovaktown’s recent Heritage Event—marking a meaningful moment of international recognition for the town and its people.

This documentary is just the beginning. UpRooted Media is developing a public online archive of historical materials gathered during production, making them accessible to educators, descendants, and researchers. Since filming began, momentum has grown locally, with residents now discussing the creation of a permanent museum.

Our goal is to support and empower the community—not just to preserve their past, but to shape their future as a living cultural destination.

Slovaktown Early Settlers

Sts. Cyril & Methodius Church

Slovaktown’s Pastor & Ambassador Javorčík

Synopsis

Slovakia in the South: The legacy of Slovaktown, Arkansas

The documentary is a roughly 90-minute film exploring the history, cultural heritage, and present-day reality of this unique Slovak-American community.

It traces the journey of Slovak immigrants who, in the late 19th century, left Austria-Hungary in search of opportunity, eventually settling in Arkansas. Through historical records and personal stories, the film uncovers the visionaries who helped establish Slovaktown and the recruitment efforts that brought Slovak families to the region.

The documentary highlights the struggles and triumphs of early settlers as they built a thriving agricultural community, playing a crucial role in making Arkansas the nation’s top rice producer. It also captures the lives of present-day residents, showcasing how Slovak traditions endure through festivals, faith, and family connections.

As Slovaktown faces modern challenges like population decline and agricultural changes, the film explores what the future holds and the efforts being made to keep its rich heritage alive. More than just a historical account, Slovakia in the South is a celebration of resilience, identity, and the enduring legacy of a community that shaped the American South.

Viewers will gain a deeper appreciation for the multicultural and small communities that have quietly shaped American life. Slovaktown exemplifies how heritage, tradition, and innovation can coexist—where cultural roots are honored while new traditions enrich identity rather than replace the past.

This documentary underscores that communities like Slovaktown are not relics of history but living, evolving places with ongoing stories. Preserving cultural heritage is not about resisting change but about integrating the old and new in meaningful ways, creating something both authentic and enduring.

Artistic Theme within

Slovakia in the South: The legacy of Slovaktown, Arkansas

At the heart of Slovakia in the South is not only a story of immigration and heritage, but of cultural evolution—how traditions adapt, merge, and continue to thrive in new forms. This documentary embraces that dynamic through a carefully curated original soundtrack and visual artwork that reflect the blending of Slovak and Southern American identities.

The film’s soundtrack led by multi-instrumentalist, James Ashley Mayer, reimagines traditional Slovak folk songs using Southern American instrumentation—like the dobro, fiddle, pedal steel, and banjo—creating a musical bridge between two cultures. These arrangements highlight the emotional continuity between old-world melodies and the American South’s expressive roots music, celebrating the fusion that defines the Slovaktown experience.

Complementing the music is a body of original artwork by Zac Banik, a visual artist of Slovak descent. Banik’s pieces are rooted in Slovak folk art motifs, which he blends with imagery inspired by the local stories, traditions, and landscapes of Slovaktown. His work captures the spiritual and cultural hybridity of the community—preserving memory while giving it a new voice.

This creative collaboration is not just about reflecting the past—it’s about contributing to the ongoing cultural development of the Slovaktown community. By integrating art and music that speak to both heritage and place, we aim to help sustain a living, evolving identity that resonates with both descendants and new audiences.

With your support, Slovakia in the South becomes more than a film—it becomes a platform for cultural preservation, expression, and connection through art that honors the past while actively shaping the future.

Reasons to Support

Slovakia in the South: The legacy of Slovaktown, Arkansas

Preserve Slovak-American Heritage – Slovaktown represents a unique chapter in U.S. immigration history. Supporting this project helps preserve the language, customs, and traditions brought by Slovak immigrants who built a thriving community in the American South.

Celebrate Multicultural Roots – This story highlights how immigrants from Central Europe blended their Slovak identity with Southern American life, creating a cultural fusion that deserves national recognition and continued preservation.

Honor Community Landmarks – Places like Sts. Cyril & Methodius Church stand not only as religious institutions but as cultural anchors for generations of Slovak-Americans. The documentary honors these spaces as hubs of language, music, food, storytelling, and identity.

Highlight the Immigrant Experience – Slovaktown offers a powerful example of how immigrant communities contribute to the fabric of American society—through hard work, resilience, and cultural pride. This film brings that story to light for all audiences.

Educate and Engage – The documentary will serve as a resource for educators, cultural centers, and public programming—introducing audiences to an overlooked yet meaningful part of American and Slovak history.

Contribute to Cultural Preservation – With archival footage, personal stories, and historical context, this project is more than a film—it's a step toward building a public archive, fostering tourism, and empowering the local community to preserve their story for the future.

Leave a Lasting Legacy – Your support helps ensure that Slovaktown’s story isn’t lost to time. From local efforts to establish a museum to international recognition, this project is part of a growing movement to protect and share this unique cultural legacy.

By supporting Slovakia in the South, you’re helping a small town with a big story take its rightful place in the broader narrative of American history—celebrated, remembered, and shared with the world.

Phases of Documentary Production

Phase 1 – Filming: This includes expenses for travel, equipment rental, contract with Twist Creative Studio’s camera crew, and production logistics such as lodging and food.

Phase 2 – Editing: Costs cover video and audio editing equipment, copyright for music, archival footage, additional musicians, and professional post-production services.

Phase 3 – Public Relations, Marketing & Screening: These expenses include promotional materials, public relations, film festival submissions, venue rentals for screenings, travel for events, and advertising to reach a wider audience.

Administrative costs - These are costs that are part of doing business as a nonprofit. They includewebsite, licensing renewals, etc.

Total Requesting: $44,367.46

Total Raised: $40,632.54

Total Cost: $85,000

Phase 1 – Filming

Requesting: $2,282.77

Total Raised: $22,717.23

Total Budget: $25,000

Phase 2 – Editing

Requesting: $3,902.63

Total Raised: $6,097.37

Total Budget: $10,000

Phase 3.1 – Public Relations

Requesting: $6,666.66

Total Raised: $3,333.34

Total Budget: $10,000

Phase 3.2 – Marketing

Requesting: $7,202,37

Total Raised: $2,797.63

Total Budget: $10,000

Phase 3.3 – Screening

Requesting: $23,000

Total Raised: $2,000

Total Budget: $25,000

Administration - 2023-2026

Requesting: $1,313.03

Total Raised: 3,686.97

Total Budget: $5,000

Phase 1 - Requesting: $2,282.77

Primary Filming has been completed thanks to our partnership with Twist Creative Studio and the dedication of our volunteers, we have successfully completed three filming trips. This has allowed us to capture all primary interviews and the majority of our B-roll footage.

Phase 1 Funds Allocated:

Filming Trips (Camera Crew, Flights, Ground Travel, Food, Hotel): $19,105.09

Equipment (Gimbals, Stands, Hard Drives): $3,612.14

To finalize Phase 1:

One day camera crew to capture extra B-roll footage and reshoot two interviews: $2,282.77.

Phase 2 - Requesting: $3,902.63

Editing cost allocations have been shifted from contracting an outside editor to upgrading our own equipment, enabling a fully Slovak and Slovak American volunteer editing team.

This shift provides greater creative control and ensures a more cohesive narrative flow. It also allows us to reallocate the funds raised toward better equipment and a more dedicated, skilled team with access to advanced technology that surpasses what we had with the contractor.

Phase 2 Funds Allocated:

Equipment upgrades (CPU System upgrade, partial backup storage, Soundtrack effects software, local history books, Studio Monitors): $5,847.37

To finalize Phase 2:

Two professional sound artists: $700

Equipment upgrades (software upgrade, extra USB hubs, 4K monitor, and an additional 56TB of secure backup storage): $3,202.63

Phase 3.1 - Requesting: $6,666.66

Public relations efforts are contracted through The Peacock Group, led by Madeline Roberts, a descendant of the founding Bednar family.

With her personal connection to the story, Madeline is generously contributing much of her work pro bono. However, there are essential costs for the rest of her team, including media outreach, press materials, and strategic promotions, ensuring the documentary gains the visibility it deserves.

The expertise of The Peacock Group is vital in sharing the legacy of Slovaktown with a broad and engaged audience.

Phase 3.1 Funds Allocated:

Public Relations Deposit: $3,333.34

To finalize Phase 3.1:

Remaining contract balance: $6,666.66

Phase 3.2 - Requesting: $7,202.37

Marketing costs are critical for ensuring this documentary reaches the widest possible audience. While the production phase is essential, a film’s true impact relies on how effectively it is shared. Additional marketing funds are needed for direct advertising outside of media events to ensure a broader reach through multiple channels.

While the Peacock Group will support the world premiere, Phase 3.2 funds will be used to promote additional screenings in the U.S. and Europe, further maximizing the film’s visibility and impact.

Phase 3.2 Funds Allocated:

Advertising for project awareness and fundraising (social media ads, film posters, business cards, website, merchandise, travel for events): $2,797.63

To finalize Phase 3.2:

Advertising for screening events (social media ads, film posters, business cards, website, merchandise): $7,202.37

Phase 3.3 - Requesting: $23,000

Screenings, both at festivals and in communities around the world, are vital opportunities to share the story with a wider audience, generate buzz, and encourage conversation. These events not only showcase the documentary, but they also create spaces for meaningful discussions and connections that can amplify the film’s impact.

Our dedicated volunteers, associate producers, and executive producer will contribute their time to organizing and implementing these screenings, further ensuring the film's visibility and outreach. However, funds are needed to foster a welcoming environment and encouraging networking during these key events.

Phase 3.3 Funds Allocated:

Screening refreshments have been pledged for the initial community screening: $2,000

To finalize Phase 3.3:

Theatrical and Festival Screenings (12 film festival entries, theater rentals, refreshments, and travel expenses for these events): $23,000

Admin Requesting: $1,313.03

Administrative costs are an essential part of operating. These costs are estimates based on prior expenses over the past year and may fluctuate depending on changes in the economy and business needs.

Admin Funds Allocated 2023-2025:

Operations (credit card processing fees, document translations, software subscriptions, business licenses): $3,686.97

To finalize Admin 2025-2026:

Operations (credit card processing fees, document translations, software subscriptions, business licenses): $1,313.03

Total Requesting: $44,367.46

Support UpRooted Media – Your Contribution Matters

Making any sized donation to UpRooted Media is tax-deductible. You can contribute in one of three simple ways: PayPal, Venmo, or check. If donating via PayPal or Venmo, please consider covering the credit card fees.

Donor Recognition:

UpRooted Media is entirely volunteer-run, with all staff working unpaid. We hire professionals only when volunteers aren’t available, prioritizing Slovak and Slovak-American contractors. When that’s not possible, we work with Arkansas-based professionals to invest locally.

Every dollar donated directly supports our mission to preserve cultural heritage and promote multicultural awareness.

Who we are & What we stand for

Our Mission is to promote multicultural awareness and representation in history and media. We preserve and share cultural heritage for the prosperity of the current and future generations.

Our Vision is for a world where multiculturalism is encouraged, accepted, and represented in recorded history and public media for all cultures across generations.

Our Values include...

Diversity-Equity-Inclusion: We believe that inclusion of diverse perspectives can foster a more equitable future.

Preservation: We believe that preservation of historical artifacts is crucial to sharing stories that cultivate understanding of diverse human experiences.

Education: We believe that an educated population is key to a strong human experience and that by knowing the experiences of others allows for empathy and collaboration.

Community-engagement: We believe that engaging community members creates opportunities for discussion & collaboration enabling self-sustaining, prosperous communities

UpRooted Media is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Oregon founded and run by Slovak-Americans

UpRooted Volunteer Board

Deah Partak, LCSW; Board President is a dual citizen of the USA and Slovakia. In addition to UpRooted, Deah is a private psychotherapist specializing in the effects of intergenerational resiliency, using a holistic approach that integrates ancestral connection and cultural heritage to help people find deeper meaning and purpose in their lives. Deah believes that reconnecting with our roots and understanding the legacies of our ancestors can provide powerful pathways for healing and transformation.

Amanda Villamil Saranie; Board Secretary a 4th-generation Slovak-Costa Rican and descendant of one of the Slovaktown original settlers and the famous Slovak Oyster Supper founder. Amanda has an impressive track record in project management and a genuine appreciation for heritage preservation. Her commitment to her Slovak Heritage is deepened as she works to provide her son with a basis for his multicultural heritage.

Jennifer Hopkins; Community Board Trustee is a dual USA and Slovakia citizen. Jen’s expertise is tied to the public school system training teachers on instructional technology integration. She holds a master of science degree, undergraduate degree in Secondary Education and History. Jen’s Slovak culture is strong in the kitchen as she actively cooks authentic Slovak dishes for her teenage children to help keep the heritage alive in her family.

Legal Information

Disclaimer: UpRooted Media is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization committed to serving the community through promotion of multicultural awareness and representation through history and media.

We do not support or oppose any political party, candidate, or political agenda. All programs, activities, and communications are intended solely for educational, charitable, and community purposes and are not affiliated with any political campaign or partisan initiative.

UpRooted Media was incorporated in April 2023 by Deah Partak, Sam Latza, Alexander Parmley, and James Ashley Mayer. Ms. Partak and Mr. Mayer are married. Ms. Latza and Mr. Parmley and married and have since left

the organization.

None of the board members are related. However, Ms. Villamil Saranie is related to cast members in the documentary and is a cast member herself due to her ancestors being founding members of Slovaktown.

Some of the Advisors are related: Andrew Partak and Eileen Partak are married and both are parents of Deah Partak. Again, Advisor James Ashley Mayer is married to Deah Partak. Advisors have no board voting privileges.

The board duties are entirely volunteer-based and without payment or in-kind benefits. UpRooted Media operates primarily on public donations and crowdfunding. However, we do seek grants, both private and governmental, when applicable to our projects and mission.

All work for UpRooted Media is completed by volunteers or through contractual agreements.

Any and all information and images within this proposal are not to be reproduced or used without the written approval of UpRooted Media.

EIN# 92-3311816

What is Slovaktown?

Southern Arkansas is not the first place you would think to find a town with almost 100% Slavic ethnicity. Yet, since 1894, this Slovak immigrant settlement has been inhabited by the descendants of the original Slovak settlers who fled the industrial North.

Beginning as the passion of famed Slovak-American Visionary Peter Vitʹazoslav Rovnianek, he gave Slovaks a chance at a different American dream: a life that aligned with their Slovak agrarian roots. Yet, they discovered too late that the prairie lands of Arkansas were not the fruitful farmland they had hoped for.

Despite the community being threatened by low food production and frequent wildfires, Slovaktown survived and thrived, creating a strong, uniquely Slovak-Southern-American community, resilient in the face of adversity and tucked away from much of the rest of America's consciousness.

However, time is always a player in the loss of information. Aware of the importance and its unique place in history, this town has preserved so many of their cultural practices, photographs and documents. They even explored how they could band together to make their own documentary. Alas, the lack of media skills, time and budget prevented this. Luckily, the town's dedication to maintaining their culture and history any way they could (sharing photos on facebook) caught the attention of us at UpRooted Media.

Given no one has yet to do a full telling of Slovaktown from 1894 to present day, the impact and uniqueness of this community continues to go unnoticed in the history books and current Slovak descendant accomplishments.

We were warmly welcomed into the community. Thus, we feel a strong dedication to preserve this history and current culture - not only for the townspeople, but for Slovak and American history as a whole.

Now is the time while the grandchildren of the founding families (now in their 80s and 90s) are still here to tell the stories.

Filmmaking Approach:

The film follows an interview-led, chronological narrative, viewed through the perspective of Slovaktown's residents and descendants. It combines historic photos, documents, and family narratives, along with current-day videos, stills, and interviews. Additionally, folk musical arrangements and original compositions enhance the storytelling.

Slovaktown's migration embodies the classic hero's journey, but what sets it apart is its portrayal of the community as a collective hero within the Slovak-American narrative. The documentary spans generations of Slovaktown families, offering a creative, historical, and transformative account of multicultural survival from 1894 to 2024.

Soundtrack:

We believe that music, often overlooked in documentaries, creates a profound experience of the protagonist's journey. In the "Slovaktown, Arkansas" documentary, music will uniquely highlight the immigrant journey on screen.

Music serves as a powerful cultural connector. Therefore, we're using it to guide viewers through the evolution of Slovak immigrant families into Southern Slovak Americans. As the film explores their migration journey, we depict Slovak folk songs transitioning into adaptations featuring Southern American regional instruments and sounds, reflecting internal generational shifts.

At the documentary's outset, classic Slovak and Rusyn folk songs set the tone. As the community adjusts to local customs, these songs evolve to incorporate new cultural elements while preserving their folk traditions. This approach enhances the immersive experience, complementing the visual and narrative evolution of this multicultural community up to the present day.

As music supervisor, James Ashley Mayer collaborates with Slovak-American modern classical composer and pianist Josiah Austin, Slovak-American vocalist Heidi Austin, Slovaktown accordionist and grandson of the town's founding father, Alfred Bednar,, vocalist Father Shaun Wesley of Slovaktown Sts Cyril & Methodius Church, and renowned Czechoslovak immigrant Fujara player Bohuslav (Bob) Rychlík.

Production Team:

Filming & Costs:

In February 2023, we embarked on our filming journey to Slovaktown, only to be unexpectedly halted by Mother Nature. Our camera crew and equipment were grounded, preventing us from reaching Slovak. Despite this setback, we established meaningful connections with the locals and began scanning their historical documents and photographs.

We improvised by filming using an iPhone, but the footage fell short in quantity and quality. To rectify this, we've partnered with Little Rock's Twist Creative Studio (https://twistcreativestudio.com) for filming in January and February 2024, ensuring we fully capture our intended content from last winter.

These trips will capture two vital events in Slovaktown: The Slovak Knights of Columbus Oyster Supper and Slovak Annual Heritage Day.

Twist Creative, recognizing the significance of preserving this lesser-known history, generously offered a 50% price reduction on their full production services, slashing the cost from $12,070 to $6,035.

Production Costs Breakdown:

1. Pre-Production Full Day Management:$425 per day (2 days needed)

2. Production 7-9hr Full Day: $2,790 per day (6 days needed)

3. Production Crew Member: $2,250 per day (6 days needed)

4. Production Accompanying Gear: $500 each (4 needed)

5. Post-Production Rendering & Digitizing: $70 each (4 needed)

Any excess funds beyond our goal will directly support the next phase of post-production, covering technical support, audio/video remastering, graphic design, editing, and film festival entrance fees.

Donation Rewards:

Any and all sized donations bring the benefit of securing Slovaktown’s place in history for generations to come! Everyone who donates will receive their own digital copy of the film and your name will be listed in the film credits and thanked as a donor.

Associate Producer: $1,000 - $3,999 As Associate Producer enjoy the distinction of being prominently featured in both the film credits and on IMDB while knowing you are a key partner in bring this history to life.

Sponsorship: $4,000 to $5,999 As a valued sponsor, you play a crucial role in bringing this documentary to life. Enjoy prominent recognition with your name or business featured immediately following the main sponsor in the opening credits, advertising, and IMDB Associate Producer credits.

Main Sponsorship: $6,000 and above As our primary sponsor, your name or business will take center stage in the opening credits, promotional materials and IMDB Associate Producer credits, prominently recognized as the driving force behind the documentary. At this level, your contribution covers production costs, solidifying your pivotal role in bringing this documentary to life.

Distribution:

The mission behind this project is to make Slovak Town synonymous with Slovak migration and Arkansas Rice Farming. To accomplish this goal, we are receiving support from numerous Arkansans, to include Mr. William Asti, former chairman of Little Rock’s Film Commission, founder of four film festivals, and former board member of five film festivals in Arkansas; to include a world-renowned documentary film festival. Mr. Asti, now retired, is a resident of Little Rock, Arkansas, and was an economist, architect, urban planner, futurists, and author.

We are exploring US governmental support for an Arkansas based screening of the documentary, and along with Mr. Asti we will be working with others for potential screening of the SLOVAKTOWN, ARKANSAS DOCUMENTARY to include Arkansas Public Broadcasting, Arkansas’ Economic Development Commission’s Film Office, as well as the Arkansas based documentary film festival.

LEARN MORE!

UpRooted Media

THANK YOU for taking the time to learn about and support Slovak-American History and Culture!

Your contributions play a crucial role in preserving Slovaktown's history. Your support and encouragement mean the world to us.