Gov. Beshear: RISING Documentary Now Streaming on Prime Video

RISING chronicles the rebuilding efforts in Eastern Kentucky after the flooding of 2022

FRANKFORT, Ky. (July 24, 2026) - Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced that Team Kentucky's documentary, RISING, is now available for streaming on Prime Video, with proceeds going to the Team Kentucky Emergency Relief Fund, which assists Kentuckians affected by natural disasters and catastrophic events.

RISING tells the story of the strength and resilience of Eastern Kentuckians as they undertake the most ambitious rebuilding effort in the nation following the historic 2022 floods. The 60-minute film chronicles the joint commitment of Gov. Beshear, state and local leaders to rebuild homes for survivors on abandoned coal mine sites out of the floodplains. Now, eight high-ground communities are either completed or in progress, with new homes on higher ground, protected from future flooding.

"RISING is a story that shows what's possible when you put your people first, work together and demand a solution that will bring meaningful change and now it will reach the entire world through Prime Video," said Gov. Beshear. "With proceeds going toward our Team Kentucky Emergency Relief Fund, RISING will not only inspire people to see what's possible following natural disasters, but it will also continue to support Kentucky families affected by these types of challenges. I am so proud of what we've accomplished together, and even more proud that we can share the resilience and strength of our people through Prime Video."

Last September, RISING premiered at the Mountain Arts Center in Prestonsburg. The film was then screened across the commonwealth in Frankfort, Lexington and Louisville. A brief theatrical run also followed, with showings in Elizabethtown, Franklin, Grand River, Inez, Owensboro and Pikeville, as well as Cincinnati, Ohio. Proceeds from the film screenings raised over $48,000 for the Team Kentucky Emergency Relief Fund.

The announcement comes days before the four-year anniversary of the floods on Sunday, July 26, which claimed the lives of 45 Kentuckians. To commemorate this anniversary, Gov. Beshear and First Lady Britainy Beshear will visit Eastern Kentucky on Monday, July 27 and provide updates on progress at the high-ground communities. Work continues on these neighborhoods, with two already completed:

• Wayland high-ground community (Floyd County, 14 homes); and
• The Cottages at Thompson Branch (Letcher County, 10 homes).

In total, more than 500 homes are planned in the eight communities across five counties. This is in addition to houses being built in scattered sites throughout Eastern Kentucky.

Housing Can't Wait Resource
Gov. Beshear is encouraging anyone who was impacted by the flooding of 2021, 2022 or 2025 to visit HousingCantWait.org and fill out an interest form. A team member from Fahe will get in touch with applicants, determine eligibility for Disaster Recovery housing and provide help with the housing process.

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