Between the Rock and the Hard Place

Documentary Film, coming soon

Ken Koons, Filmmaker

The Bowed Dulcimer Project

Documentary Film, coming soon

Ryan Koons, Filmmaker

This film examines the “bowed dulcimer,” a recently-invented folk music instrument, its inventor Ken Bloom, its history, and the community growing around it and its inventor.

You can view the trailer free of charge on Youtube.

The Dugout Canoe Project

Documentary Film, 2010

Ken Koons, Filmmaker

This film details the making of a dugout canoe using various traditional methods. Narrators discuss the history, function, and meaning of the dugout, a means of transportation found all over the world.

You can view this film free of charge on Youtube.

Handcrafted Traditions

Series of documentary short films, photo essays, and articles, 2004-present

Ken Koons & The Carroll County Times

A multi-part series documenting crafts, artistic skills, and traditions in the Carroll County, MD area, including blacksmithing, broom making, chair caning, iron smelting, and others.

Living with Dying

Series of photo essays and articles, 1998-1999

Ken Koons & The Carroll County Times

A nine-part series detailing the story of Dale Aukerman and his family. A peace activist and minister, Dale was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in 1996. Created in conversation with the Aukerman family, this series documents Dale and his family as they come to grips with his illness and the transitions between life and death.

Ore to Axe

Documentary Film, 2012

Ken Koons, Filmmaker

This film details the process of smelting iron ore into metal and forging it into an eighteenth-century-style axe. Follow blacksmiths with over one hundred years collective experience as they demonstrate every step in the centuries-old bloomery smelting process.

You can view the trailer for this film free of charge on Youtube.

People of One Fire

Documentary Film, 2010

Ryan Koons, Filmmaker

This film narrates the chronologies and ceremonial significance of two ritual events performed by a Muskogee Creek tribal town. The Harvest Busk and the Soup Dance feature interactions between humans the plants, animals, and others who make up the local environment. This film was created in consultation with the community.