Eudora Welty

Renowned short story writer Eudora Welty is explored through intimate and charming interviews, both with Eudora herself and with family and friends. Seen through the backdrop of Jackson, Mississippi, Eudora is a revealing portrait of adventure, daring, humor and love as we meet a writer we only thought we knew.

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Images below courtesy Eudora Welty, LLC and the Mississippi Department of Archives and History

Let’s hear what some friends think of our film

  • Randall Wallace letter: To the Ken Burns Prize Committee April 27, 2024 Dear Ken Burns Prize Committee: I am writing in support of Anthony Thaxton and the Institute of Southern Storytelling's production EUDORA. My own work primarily as a narrative filmmaker, with productions such as BRAVEHEART, MAN IN THE IRON MASK, PEARL HARBOR, WE WERE SOLDIERS, SECRETARIAT and others, may suggest that I might be an incompetent or inappropriate advocate for such a documentary, in that it is factual and authentic in every regard, while my own work, though rooted in history, branches freely into impressionistic treatments and facts, if not into fiction altogether. Then as I say this I realize Eurora Welty's work had at least this one similarity to my own:  she looked at actual life and drew from its delights and its horrors the inspirations that allowed her to create fiction that was even more true than fact.  From her magnificent achievements in this, I and every other artist can be encouraged and inspired. I find Anthony Thaxton's production EUDORA remarkable for a massive number of reasons; here are just a few: --Though I grew up in the South, and even studied for several years with Reynolds Price, who was himself a devotee of Ms. Welty's, Mr. Thaxton's documentary revealed a treasure trove of information about her that I did not know.  I watched it in amazement and delight at what she--and Mr. Thaxton, for in a sense he becomes her collaborator in her celebration of life in all its complexity--observed and then revealed. --Mr. Thaxton's EUDORA tells a riveting story that brings the real woman down the pantheon of immortal artists into our tangible experience; he allows us to encounter not only the magic musicality of her voice but the warm throbbing humanity of her heart.  EUDORA makes me want to be a better person, a better writer, a better observer of life; EUDORA opens my eyes, my mind and most of all my heart. --The storytelling itself--Mr. Thaxton's, inspired no doubt by Ms. Welty's talents--is superior in every regard.  It is captivating, clear, charming and unique, like Eudora Welty herself. --I must add that I found EUDORA profoundly moving.  I grew up in Memphis, not far from Jackson, Mississippi, in an age when segregation blighted America and children such as I were exposed to Whites Only signs and segregated restrooms and even water fountains.  She brought a loving spirit to Southern life, even as she exposed its terrible failures.  I watched EUDORA and found myself loving not only Eudora Welty but also all the people she saw, and loved.  Anthony Thaxton clearly had the same experience, and now shares that transforming power with the world. I hope you will be able to celebrate, support and reward such a stupendous achievement. Best regards, Randall Wallace

    RANDALL WALLACE

  • I give this documentary the highest recommendation and the greatest praise. I knew Miss Welty. We first met in the mid 1960s when I was a student at Belhaven College, which is across the street from her house on Pinehurst. It was not unusual to see her working in her garden or backing her huge Oldsmobile out of the drive at 1119 Pinehurst St. where she had lived most of her life. I just assumed everyone grew up in the presence of so formidable a literary talent as Miss Welty. Eudora Welty, who often described herself as “locally under foot in Jackson,” died in 2001. There are fewer and fewer of us left who actually heard her read “Why I Live at the PO,” “Powerhouse,” or “Petrified Man.” Yet gathered here in this film are a remarkable number of witnesses to her life and voices that testify to her good will and genius for language. Something sad happens to an artist when they go out of living memory. Anthony Thaxton’s documentary Eudora is not only a brilliant use of the medium but goes a long way toward keeping her in the conversation, so that yet another generation can know of her worth and importance. This film makes you want to read Eudora Welty, and there can be no greater success. William Dunlap Coral Gables Florida

    WILLIAM DUNLAP

  • William R. Ferris endorsement: To the Lavigne/Ken Burns Prize Judges: It is with special pleasure that I write to strongly endorse Anthony Thaxton's beautiful film Eudora for the Library of Congress Lavine/Ken Burns Prize for Film. Eudora Welty's power as a writer and her deep impact on the humanities are enduring American treasures. Her work is a measure of excellence for teachers, scholars, and aspiring writers. She was the first living author to be featured in The Library of America series, was presented with awards from Presidents Carter and Reagan, won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and National Book Awards, and was a finalist for the Nobel Prize in Literature. Her books are widely read around the world and have been published in 42 languages. This film offers its viewers an intimate understanding of Welty as the person behind her public persona. Welty's photographs and her works of fiction are daring, enduring portraits. An educated, wealthy white woman, she captured, as Balzac would say, "The human comedy,” the full picture of people—Black and white, old and young, men and women. They populate her photographs and her fiction. To understand the American South in the early 20th century, we must read Eudora Welty and look at her photography. This film captures how it felt to speak with Eudora, to listen to Eudora. We feel we are in her presence. She would love to hear the many voices featured in this film. They create a quilt-like portrait of her long, productive life and affirm that its power will enrich future generations. Eudora Welty is forever relevant to understanding our humanity and is worthy of this fine film. Our world needs to hear her voice because she carries us to a deeper understanding of each other, of our stories, and of the common bonds we share. Anthony Thaxton's beautiful film Eudora has my strongest support for the Library of Congress Lavine/Ken Burns Prize for Film. Both the film and its subject Eudora Welty embody the spirit of the Library of Congress and the powerful films of Ken Burns. With admiration and all good wishes. Sincerely, William Ferris Joel R. Williamson Eminent Professor of History Emeritus Senior Associate Director Emeritus

    WILLIAM R. FERIS

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Everyone in Mississippi, it seems, has a story to tell. “My grandmother shopped with Miss Eudora at the Jitney 14,” and etc. Do you have an encounter to share with this beloved writer? Let us hear from you!